Palmetto State Baseball

State Scoreboard, January 29

2012-01-29T00:05:00.001-05:00

East Georgia 8-8, USC Salkehatchie 1-2

Schedule entry is under way

2012-01-28T02:36:00.001-05:00

I have started entering the 2012 schedules for state college (and junior college) baseball teams. It's a long process, so please be patient with me. I have all schedules except for Morris.

If you are a fan of a particular school, please encourage someone from the school to report its scores daily (the same day the game is played) by e-mail to palmetto.baseball@gmail.com.

Or, they can can send them via Twitter by following me at @palmettobase and sending the scores, or they can post the scores in the comments section of each day's schedule.

Thanks!
Rudy

State Scoreboard, January 28

2012-01-28T01:45:00.000-05:00

Brewton-Parker 4, USC Beaufort 2

East Georgia 6, USC Salkehatchie 4, G1
USC Salkehatchie 7, East Georgia 2, G2

State Scoreboard, January 27

2012-01-28T01:02:00.003-05:00

Sorry. I missed that the season started Friday.

USC Beaufort 2, Brewton-Parker 0

Clemson announces recruiting class

2011-08-30T21:07:00.000-04:00

As is its custom, Clemson released its recruiting class for next season after all the players were enrolled in school for the fall semester.

Five of the recruits are from South Carolina, including The Citadel transfer Brad Felder.

Clemson hasn't posted the release yet and I can;t link to the PDF.

The newcomers include two players who were selected in the 2011 Major League draft. Righthander Daniel Gossett (Lyman, SC) was a 16th-round draft pick of the Boston Red Sox,
while catcher Garrett Boulware (Anderson, SC) was a 42nd-round draft pick of the San Diego Padres.
2012 Clemson Baseball Newcomers
Player Pos. B-T Hgt Wgt Cl. Exp. Hometown Previous School
Patrick Andrews RHP R-R 6-4 205 Fr. HS Hilton Head, SC Hilton Head Prep School
Kyle Bailey LHP R-L 6-5 225 Fr. HS Southlake, TX Carroll Senior HS
Jay Baum INF R-R 6-0 186 Fr. HS Alpharetta, GA Centennial HS
Garrett Boulware C R-R 6-1 210 Fr. HS Anderson, SC T.L. Hanna HS
Andrew Cleveland C R-R 6-0 187 Fr. HS Moore, SC James F. Byrnes HS
Brad Felder OF L-L 6-1 210 *Sr. TR Bowman, SC Orangeburg Prep School
Brock Goodling RHP R-R 6-1 195 Fr. HS Mount Union, PA Mount Union HS
Daniel Gossett RHP R-R 6-1 168 Fr. HS Lyman, SC James F. Byrnes HS
Trevor Kieboom RHP/INF R-R 6-4 235 Fr. HS Marietta, GA Walton HS
Jeremy Scheck LHP L-L 6-0 192 Fr. HS Vernon Hills, IL Adlai E. Stevenson School
Tyler Slaton OF L-L 5-7 195 Fr. HS Cumming, GA North Forsyth HS
Mike Triller OF L-R 6-2 180 Fr. HS Rutland, VT Rutland HS
* - spent one season as a red-shirt player

Signee Highlights
Patrick Andrews, RHP
• #153 player in the nation and #6 player in South Carolina by Perfect Game
• #13 player and #3 pitcher in South Carolina by Diamond Prospects
• SCISA Player-of-the-Year as a senior
• SCISA all-state selection as a junior and senior
• All-region selection as a sophomore, junior, and senior
• Team MVP as a junior and senior
• Set the career school record for wins and strikeouts
• All-region selection in football as a junior and senior
• Lettered three five in baseball, three times in football, and three times in basketball
• Coached by Nathan Stevens at Hilton Head Prep School
• Born Patrick Connor Andrews on March 26, 1993 in Poughkeepsie, NY

Kyle Bailey, LHP
• Selected to the North Texas High School Baseball Coaches Association All-Star game as a senior
• Third-team AAAAA all-state as a senior
• First-team all-district as a senior
• Had a 6-1 record, 2.91 ERA, and 61 strikeouts in 50.1 innings pitched along with hitting .460 with four homers and 36 RBIs as a senior
• Had a 6-3 record , 2.61 ERA, and 46 strikeouts in 40.2 innings pitched as a junior
• Lettered three times in baseball
• Coached by Larry Hughes at Carroll Senior High School
• Born Kyle Bradley Bailey on June 27, 1992 in Plano, TX

Jay Baum, INF
• #218 player in the nation and #15 player in Georgia by Perfect Game
• Region player-of-the-year as a senior
• All-region selection as a sophomore, junior, and senior
• Lettered four times in baseball
• Coached by Jake Hill at Centennial High School
• His father, Eric, played golf at Colgate and his mother, Susan, played hockey at Saint Lawrence
• Born Jay Paul Baum on October 25, 1992 in Alpharetta, GA

Garrett Boulware, C
• #141 player in the nation and #5 player in South Carolina by Perfect Game
• #12 player and #2 catcher in South Carolina by Diamond Prospects
• #23 prospect in South Carolina for the 2011 draft by Baseball America
• Anderson Independent-Mail Player-of-the-Year as a senior
• Hit .533 with nine homers, 27 RBIs, and 21 walks in limited at-bats as a senior
• 42nd-round draft pick (#1283 overall) by the San Diego Padres
• Lettered four times in baseball and four times in football
• Coached by Adam Comstock at T.L. Hanna High School
• Born Garrett Andrew Boulware on September 9, 1992 in Atlanta, GA

Andrew Cleveland, C
• All-region selection as a junior and senior
• Named Best Defensive Player as a sophomore, junior, and senior
• Member of the Upperstate championship team as a junior and senior
• Offensive MVP of his football team as a senior
• Member of the state championship football team as a sophomore, runner-up team as a junior, and championship team as a senior
• Lettered four times in baseball and three times in football
• Coached by Dwayne Haun at James F. Byrnes High School
• His brother, Daniel, was a linebacker on the football team at Presbyterian College in 2009
• Born Andrew Wayne Cleveland on December 10, 1992 in Spartanburg, SC

Brad Felder, OF
• Played three seasons (2008,10,11) at The Citadel, where he hit .252 with 19 doubles, 10 triples, 18 homers, 68 RBIs, 107 runs, and 36 steals in 151 games (136 starts)
• Hit .274 with eight doubles, five triples, six homers, 32 RBIs, 34 runs, and 14 steals in 53 games (49 starts) in 2011
• Had a team-season-long 18 game-hitting streak in 2011
• Hit .262 with nine doubles, four triples, 11 homers, 32 RBIs, 57 runs, and 18 steals in 63 games (63 starts) in 2010
• All-Southern Conference Tournament selection in 2010
• Red-shirted in 2009
• Hit .171 with two doubles, one triple, one homer, four RBIs, 16 runs, and four steals in 35 games (24 starts) in 2008
• Lettered four times in baseball at Orangeburg Prep School
• Coached by Fred Jordan at The Citadel and Todd Layton at Orangeburg Prep School
• His mother, the former Bobbie Mims, played basketball at Clemson and was inducted into the Clemson Athletic Hall of Fame in 2001; she totaled 1,448 points and 617 assists in her career from 1976-80
• Born Bradley Lewis Felder on March 17, 1989 in Orangeburg, SC

Brock Goodling, RHP
• #337 player in the nation and #8 player in Pennsylvania by Perfect Game
• All-state selection as a junior and senior
• Selected to the conference All-Star game as a freshman, sophomore, junior, and senior
• Member of the district champions as a junior
• Conference MVP in golf as a sophomore, junior, and senior
• Conference All-Star selection in golf as a freshman, sophomore, junior, and senior
• Lettered four times in baseball, four times in golf, and three times in basketball
• Coached by Nick Imperioli at Mount Union High School
• Born Brock Nicholas Goodling on July 17, 1992 in Lewistown, PA

Daniel Gossett, RHP
• #127 player in the nation and #5 player in South Carolina by Perfect Game
• #4 player and #2 pitcher in South Carolina by Diamond Prospects
• #7 prospect in South Carolina for the 2011 draft by Baseball America
• 16th-round draft pick (#502 overall) by the Boston Red Sox
• Member of the South Carolina Select Team and played in the Select Games
• All-state and all-conference selection as a senior
• Won the team’s Pitching Award as a senior
• Won the team’s Offense Award as a sophomore
• Lettered four times in baseball
• Coached by Dwayne Haun at James F. Byrnes High School
• Born Daniel James Gossett on November 13, 1992 in Spartanburg, SC

Trevor Kieboom, RHP/INF
• Lettered three times in baseball
• Coached by Shane Amos at Walton High School
• Pronounced KEE-boom
• Has dual-citizenship with the United States and The Netherlands
• His father, Alswinn, was born in The Netherlands, moved to the United States at the age of 17, and played baseball at Eastern Illinois
• His brother, Spencer, is a junior catcher on the Clemson baseball team
• Born Trevor Cornelis Kieboom on December 1, 1992 in Mount Pleasant, SC

Jeremy Scheck, LHP
• #329 player in the nation and #11 player in Illinois by Perfect Game
• Top-eight selection at the Team USA tryouts
• Top-seven selection at the Under Armour All-America tryout
• From the same school that produced Tiger righthander Scott Firth (2010,11)
• Lettered two times in baseball
• Coached by Paul Mazzuca at Adlai E. Stevenson School
• Born Jeremy Michael Scheck on May 12, 1993 in Evanston, IL

Tyler Slaton, OF
• All-region selection as a sophomore, junior, and senior
• Lettered four times in baseball and four times in football
• Coached by Jim Cahill at North Forsyth High School
• His father, Mike, played football at Troy and his uncle, Steve Slaton, was a wrestler at Gardner-Webb
• Born Tyler Michael Slaton on May 26, 1992 in Cumming, GA

Mike Triller, OF
• Selected to the Vermont North-South All-Star game
• Led his team in batting average (.528) as a senior
• Named team MVP, and won the team’s Hustle Award as a senior
• Lettered three times in baseball, three times in basketball, and two times in football
• Coached by Kevin Bellomo at Rutland High School
• Born Michael Paul Triller on September 30, 1992 in Randolph, VT

They're here!

2011-08-30T19:35:00.001-04:00

I was in Columbia today writing my Greenville News story about Steve Spurrier's press conference when my wife called and told me my long-awaited Father's Day gift had arrived. While in Omaha for the College World Series I went by the Rosenblatt Stadium auction. The items that I was interested in quickly went out of my price range. However, the Henry Doorly Zoo Foundation (the zoo has taken over the Rosenblatt Stadium property) was selling two-seat sets from the longtime home of the College World Series. After some debating, I took the plunge and bought a set. I'm glad I did. I have a piece of CWS history. All I have to do is turn them around 90 degrees and watch games on TV just like I'm at the ballpark.

News Digest, August 20

2011-08-20T21:30:00.000-04:00

Only three players during Chal Port's 27-year tenure as The Citadel baseball coach failed to graduate. (Photo courtesy of The Citadel)

Chal Port dies
Chal Port, who won 641 games as baseball coach at The Citadel, died Saturday morning at age 80.

Port

Meyer joins USC staff
Former USC player and ex-major leaguer Drew Meyer has joined the Gamecocks staff as a student assistant coach. He replaces Brian Buscher, who graduated and is now coaching on the high school level in the Columbia area.

Meyer

Duh! Dept.
Just confirming what you already know but I was slow in posting, South Carolina lost outfielder Jackie Bradley Jr. and recruits Brian Goodwin and Taylor Guerreri to the major league draft in the closing hours before the signing deadline. Clemson lost shortstop Brad Miller and pitching recruit Daniel Norris.

Also, ex-Gamecocks James Darnell was called up the majors by the Padres.

Here are videos from a USC press conference featuring coach Ray Tanner and several returning and incoming players.

USC

Clemson posts highlight video
Clemson has posted its 2011 highlights video to it Website.

Tigers

Winthrop signs 8
Winthrop coach Tom Riginos has announced the signing of eight players, including former Florence-Darlington Tech outfielder Drew Hardee

Winthrop

SoCon baseball may be on the Internet
Several Southern Conference baseball games will be streamed live at espn3.com under terms of a new agreement between the conference and ESPN.

SoCon

Wofford legend dies
Russell C. King Jr., a former Wofford standout and person for whom the Terriers' baseball field is named, died Aug. 14 in Columbia.

King

Heesch honored
USC's Beaufort's Michael Heesch was named Coastal Plain League defensive player of the year. He was a pitcher for the Gastonia Grizzlies.

Heesch

USC gets outfield commitment
John Whittle of TheBigSpur.com, who provides excellent coverage of USC baseball recruiting, reports the the Gamecocks have received a commitment from outfielder Jamie Jarmon of Millsboro, Del., for its 2012 recruiting class.

Jarmon

Vols set schedule
Tennessee has set its 2012 baseball schedule, which includes a three-game visit to South Carolina April 6-8.

Vols

Catching up with The News Digest

2011-08-09T22:28:00.002-04:00

Paladins promote Whitfield, hire Edwards
Furman has promoted Jeff Whitfield to full-time assistant and hired Chris Edwards from Presbyterian as pitching coach.

Furman

Holbrook gets raise
USC assistant coach Chad Holbrook got a 10 percent raise last week.

Holbrook

Players called up
former Coastal Carolina star David Sappelt and ex-USC standout James Darnell have been called up to the majors by Cincinnati and San Diego, respectively.

Sappelt

Darnell

Winthrop adds Boyd
Former Clemson player Wilson Boyd has been signed on as a volunteer assistant at Winthrop.

Boyd

Spartans news
Here's an update on a couple of USC Upstate players' efforts this summer.

Spartans

Blake moves across town
Dusty Blake has left a job as assistant coach at Wofford to take a similar position at USC Upstate.

Blake

White honored
Josh White of Limestone was named the Coastal Plain League pitcher of the week last week.

White

My apologies

2011-08-05T19:13:00.001-04:00

I apologize that I haven't updated the blog recently. My real job is keeping me busier than a one-armed wallpaper hanger. I'll try to do better.

News Digest, July 31

2011-07-30T21:21:00.000-04:00

Shaffer wins HR Derby; Palka shares second
Clemson's Richie Shaffer won the Home Run Derby in conjunction with the Cape Cod League's All-Star Game Friday night. Georgia Tech's Daniel Palka, from Greer, finished in a tie for second.

Cape

Golf even benefits Ray Tanner Foundation
TheBigSpur.com, a USC fan site, had a golf tournament Saturday and raised more than $4,000 for the Ray Tanner Foundation, which helps the needy in the Midlands.

Tanner honored
Meanwhile, Tanner has been named the Greater Columbia Chamber of Commerce's 2011 ambassador of the year and will be honored at a Sept. 22 event.

Tanner

Wingo, Taylor prospering
Former USC and Mauldin High star Scott Wingo was hitting .450 through his first nine games with the Dodgers' Arizona League team. Former Gamecocks reliever John Taylor had 9 strikeouts, a 3-0 record and a save in 5.2 innings for Pulaski of the Mariners farm system. He has allowed two hits and walked none. Ex-Gamecocks Adrian Morales was hitting .400 in 30 at-bats for the Arizona League's Royals through Friday. He hit his first career home run on Thursday.

News Digest, July 29

2011-07-29T03:41:00.000-04:00

Leggett gets new contract
The Greenville News/TigersNow.com reports Clemson baseball coach Jack Leggett is getting a new contract that will keep him with the Tigers through 2016.

Clemson

Terriers add nine
Wofford has added nine players to its recruiting class for the 2011 season, including Connell Anderson of Eastside and Cody Turner of Chesnee.

Wofford

Eagles add Hall
Winthrop has hired Ben Hall as an assistant coach.

Eagles

News Digest, July 27

2011-07-27T20:28:00.000-04:00

NCAA may experiment with instant replay, tweak RPI
Baseball America reports the NCAA's Division I Baseball Committee wants to experiment with instant replay and the 2012 College World Series and tweak the Ratings Percentage Index (RPI) for 2013.

NCAA

Here's College Baseball Daily's story

CBD

Beverlin hired
Former University of Tennessee pitching coach Jason Beverlin has been named head coach at Bethune-Cookman.

BCC

Bunn headed to ETSU?
College Baseball Daily has tweeted that former The Citadel player and ex-Clemson pitching coach has been hired as pitching coach at East Tennessee State.

Firth selected
Clemson pitcher Scott Firth has been selected to play in the Cape Cod League All-Star Game.

Firth

Roth leads poll

2011-07-26T13:09:00.002-04:00

Readers of the Palmetto State Baseball Blog have voted USC pitcher Michael Roth the state's player of the year among NCAA Division I schools.

Roth got 13 votes (38 percent) of 42 votes cast in the unscientific poll.

Clemson's Brad Miller got 6 votes, South Carolina's Scott Wingo got 4 votes, Coastal Carolina's Tommy LaStella and USC's Matt Price and Christian Walker got 3 votes apiece and College of Charleston's Daniel Aldrich and Presbyterian's Brad Zebedis got 1 vote each.

Lentz signs with Reds

2011-07-22T17:07:00.000-04:00

Thanks to reader Terry Haselden for pointing out that former Greenville High standout Matt Lentz had signed a contract with the Cincinnati Reds after a tryout. Lentz played football at Kentucky until a series of concussions cut that career short. Lentz has played four games with the Reds' Arizona League rookie team.

News Digest, July 22

2011-07-22T02:25:00.000-04:00

Buccaneers hire Ward
Charleston Southern has hired Adam Ward as pitching coach.

Buccaneers

Big South honors scholar-athletes
The Big South Conference has announced its presidential honor roll for baseball players. Included are 64 players from the league's four state schools.

Big South

News Digest, July 20

2011-07-20T02:32:00.000-04:00

Coker hires Meinhold
Coker has hired Ricky Meinhold as its pitching coach.

Coker

Morales gets first pro hit
Former USC third baseman Adrian Morales got his first professional hit Tuesday night for the Arizona League's Royals.

Greenville County wins
Greenville County beat Woodbridge, Va., 4-2, Tuesday to win the Southeast Region Tournament of Big League Baseball. The victory sends the squad to the Big League World Series in Easley later this month.

Talking baseball
Sean Stires of CollegeBaseball360.com addresses some of the fairness issues for baseball Big Ten Commissioner Jim Delaney was crying about a few weeks ago. Stires agrees with some, disagrees with others and offers his own suggestions. I say leave things they are.

Changes

Mizenko selected

2011-07-19T15:30:00.002-04:00

Winthrop's Tyler Mizenko has been selected to play in the New England Collegiate Baseball League's all-star game.

NECBL

News Digest, July 19

2011-07-19T01:43:00.000-04:00

USC losing Neff, Leathers
Multiple USC fan sites report pitcher Stephen Neff has come to terms with the San Francisco Giants on a pro contract. Also, Wil Leathers reports he is transferring from USC to Spartanburg Methodist.

Brown named an all-star
Furman pitcher Drake Browne has been named to the Cal Ripken League All-Star Game. Brown has an 0-2 record, a 2.95 ERA and four saves for the Vienna River Dogs.

Browne

Pacers set all-decade team
USC Aiken has announced its all-decade team for the decade ending 2010.

Pacers

McPherson, Skole honored
Former baseball players Dallas McPherson and Tony Skole are among the six new selections for The Citadel's athletic hall of fame.

Bulldogs

News Digest, July 15

2011-07-15T20:44:00.001-04:00

4 Gamecocks honored
Four USC baseball players were among those named to the SEC's first-year academic honor roll: Greg Brodzinski, Patrick Harrington, Erik Payne and Drake Thomason.

Academics

Tanner honored again
USC's Ray Tanner was named the American Baseball Coaches Association's national and South Region coach of the year.

ABCA

Paladins selected
Furman's Will Muzika and Kevin O'Leary have been selected to play in the Sunbelt League's all-star game Saturday in Atlanta.

Paladins

Aldrich selected
College of Charleston's Daniel Aldrich has been selected to play in the Coastal Plain League's all-star game Monday in Fayetteville, N.C.

Aldrich

CPL

Ward selected
Limestone's Cameron Ward earned his second Valley League Central Division's pitcher of the week honor and was selected to the league's all-star team.

Ward

Patriots' work continuing
Francis Marion has posted photos of the construction on its new athletic complex, including a new baseball field.

FMU

Paine hires coach
Paine University in Augusta, which plays several South Carolina schools, has hired Kerby Marshall as its baseball coach.

Paine

Vandy, Corbin talk
Vanderbilt and coach Tim Corbin - former assistant at Clemson and former head coach at Presbyterian - are discussing a contract extension. Corbin took the Commodores to the College World Series this season.

Corbin

Who was the state's DI player of the year in 2011

2011-07-15T18:59:00.000-04:00

I've posted a poll asking for your input on who was the player of the year among S.C. NCAA Division I baseball teams in 2011. Cast your vote at right. You can list your reasons or cast a write-in vote in the comments section of this post. Voting ends July 25.

Thanks for participating.

Roth earns player of year honor

2011-07-14T16:53:00.002-04:00

South Carolina's Michael Roth was named CollegeBaseballInsider.com's national player of the year for 2011. The state of S.C. has good representation on the team.

CBI

News Digest, July 14

2011-07-14T03:12:00.000-04:00

Scott moving to Furman
Dan Scott, a regular on Clemson's radio baseball broadcasts the last
several years, is moving to Furman to replace Chuck Hussion as voice of the Paladins for football, basketball and, hopefully, baseball.

Scott

Blue Hose honored
Presbyterian's Tony Micklon was named to the Coastal Plains League's all-star game, while Blue Hose teammate Brad Zebedis won the home run-hitting contest as part of the Valley League's all-star game.

Hose

USC recruit picked
South Carolina recruit Corey Seager has been selected to play in the Perfect Game USA All-American Classic Aug. 14 in San Diego.

Seager

Did anyone watch the MLB all-star game?

2011-07-13T11:43:00.000-04:00

I didn't even flip by the channel.

My interest in the all-star game probably began waning when I started playing fantasy baseball and hated the three days of no player stats to follow.

What really sealed the deal, though, was when they ended the 2002 game in a tie because they ran out of pitchers. Obviously, managers were trying to get everyone into the game instead of playing to win.

If they didn't take the all-star game seriously, why should I?

The all-star game was created in an era when there was no television. Even with the advent of TV, fans in flyover country were lucky to get more than one game on TV per week. The all-star game provided fans a chance to see a Roberto Clemente or Willie Mays or Bob Gibson one more time when they might see them three times a season before the World Series.

Now, virtually every game is available on TV (except games that conflict with FOX's Saturday broadcast - thanks for nothing, FOX).

SportsCenter, Baseball Tonight and other cable shows offer almost instantaneous highlights.

Today's players treat the all-star game less seriously than a spring training game. Do you remember Pete Rose barreling over Ray Fosse to score the winning run back in the 1970s? Fosse was never the same player after the injury.

Say what you will about Pete Rose's off-field problems, he played baseball to win. That's the way today's players should approach the all-star game, but it will never happen.

If the all-star game were to go away I wouldn't miss it a bit.

Am I full of it? Tell me where I'm wrong in the comments section of this post.

Final individual pitching leaders for state NCAA DII/NAIA schools

2011-07-12T22:30:00.001-04:00

Wins
11 - Don Sandifer, Francis Marion
10 - Drew Provence, North Greenville
9 - Michael Benjamin, North Greenville
9 - Thomas McLeod, USC Aiken
9 - Jeffery Stoner, Francis Marion
9 - Cameron Ward, Limestoner
8 - Eric Cordova, Benedict
7 - Andrew Guest, Erskine
7 - Cory Hopper, Lander
7 - Lamar Lewis, Benedict

Losses
9 - Chase McElrath, Southern Wesleyan
9 - Marvin Mouzon, Voorhees
8 - Bradley Love, Southern Wesleyan
7 - Brett Campbell, Anderson
7 - Michael Honeycutt, Voorhees
7 - Darryl Keister, Voorhees
7 - James Pirro, Voorhees
7 - Sean Tracy, Coker
6 - Chris Thomas, Lander

Saves
13 - Cameron Culp, Limestone
7 - Brian Giles, North Greenvi
7 - Tyler Sturkie, Newberry
5 - Patrick Mincey, Francis Marion
5 - Jacob Saxon, Anderson
4 - Ross Davis, Lander
4 - Atlee Pearson, Erskine
3 - John Bolding, Erskine

ERA (minimum 1 IP per team's games played)
1.88 - Houston Taylor, USC Aiken
2.33 - Don Sandifer, Francis Marion
2.39 - Dexter Price, USC Beaufort
2.40 - Jeffrey Stoner, Francis Marion
2.52 - Michael Jordan, Benedict
2.79 - Tyler Witzel, Coker
2.96 - Cameron Ward, Limestone
3.01 - Drew Provence, North Greenville
3.06 - Michael Benjamin, North Greenville
3.12 - Andrew Guest, Erskine

Innings Pitched
108.0 - Don Sandifer, Francis Marion
85.1 - Chris Thomas Lander
84.1 - Cory Hopper, Lander
84.0 - Tyler Witzel, Coker
82.1 - Michael Benjamin, North Greenville
82.0 - Cameron Ward, Limestone
81.0 - Darryl Keister, Voorhees
80.2 - Drew Provence, North Greenville
80.0 - Thomas McLeod, USC Aiken
79.0 - Dexter Price, USC Beaufort

Games
30 - Andrew Thompson, Limestone
28 - Cameron Culp, Limestone
27 - Kit Carter, Erskine
26 - Zacl Lucas, Limestone
24 - Nate Richards, North Greenville
22 - Atlee Pearson, Erskine
22 - Jeremy Smith, USC Aiken
22 - Tyler Sturkie, Newberry
21 - Colton Rudd, USC Beaufort
20 - Ross Davis, Lander
20 - Jarrott Hooks, Francis Marion

Games Started
14 - Don Sandifer, Francis Marion
14 - Cory Hopper, Lander
14 - Thomas McLeod, USC Aiken
14 - Chris Thomas, Lander
13 - Adam Miller, USC Beaufort
13 - Cameron Ward, Limestone
12 - Michael Benjamin, North Greenville
12 - Brett Campbell, Anderson
12 - Chase McElrath, Southern Wesleyan
12 - Michael Heesch, USC Beaufort
12 - Dexter Price, USC Beaufort
12 - Drew Provence, North Greenville
12 - Cole Robison, Newberry

Complete Games
6 - Eric Cordova, Benedict
6 - Darryl Keister, Voorhees
6 - Don Sandifer, Francis Marion
5 - Breylon Emory, Claflin
5 - Michael Jordan, Benedict
5 - Adam Miller, USC Beaufort
3 - Lamar Lewis, Benedict
3 - James Pirro, Voorhees
3 - Erick Sanderson, Anderson
3 - Tyler Witzel, Coker

Shutouts
3 - Eric Cordova, Benedict
3 - Don Sandifer, Francis Marion
2 - Adam Miller, USC Beaufort
1 - Jarrott Hooks, Francis Marion
1 - Michael Jordan, Benedict
1 - Bradley Love, Southern Wesleyan
1 - Thomas McLeod, USC Aiken
1 - Zach McAllister, Erskine
1 - Dexter Price, USC Beaufort
1 - Cameron Ward, Limestone
1 - Donald Williams, Benedict

Strikeouts
105 - Don Sandifer, Francis Marion
78 - Michael Heesch, USC Beaufort
76 - Breylon Emory, Claflin
72 - Cory Hopper, Lander
71 - Thomas McLeod, USC Aiken
69 - Eric Cordova, Benedict
68 - Drew Provence, North Greenville
65 - Chris Thomas, Lander
63 - Tyler Witzel, Coker
62 - Cameron Ward, Limestone

Most Walks
60 - Marvin Mouzon, Voorhees
50 - Michael Honeycutt, Voorhees
48 - James Pirro, Voorhees
39 - Tyler Witzel, Coker
38 - Derek Fulmer, North Greenville
38 - Darryl Keister, Voorhees
35 - Brett Campbell, Anderson
31 - Michael Jordan, Benedict
31 - Chris Thomas, Lander
31 - Ryan Woodring, North Greenville

Most Home Runs Allowed
13 - T.J. Estes, Anderson
10 - Chase McElrath, Southern Wesleyan
8 - Cole Robison, Newberry
7 - Daniel Baxley, Southern Wesleyan
7 - Darryl Keister, Voorhees
6 - DeRickeo Cooper, Voorhees
6 - Cory Hopper, Lander
6 - Zach McAllister, Erskine
6 - Marvin Mouzon, Voorhees
6 - Mario Rojas, Newberry

Final individual offensive leaders for state NCAA DII/NAIA schools

2011-07-12T21:00:00.003-04:00

Source: School Websites, NCAA.org, NAIA.org
Batting Average
(minimum 3.1 plate appearances per team's games)
.475 - Brandon Gipson, Benedict
.423 - Donald Smith, Claflin
.421 - Corey Bryant, Benedict
.413 - Adam Taylor, North Greenville
.405 - Derek Fulmer, North Greenville
.396 - Buddy Sosnoskie, Francis Marion
.386 - Tyler Loftis, Southern Wesleyan
.382 - Spencer Jackson, USC Beaufort
.379 - Zach Smith, Erskine
.374 - Michael Wilson, Francis Marion
Morris played just 14 games
.429 - Joesph Osteen
.420 - Isaac Wilson
.378 - Robert Jones

Home Runs
16 - Joe Maloney, Limestone
11 - Erick Sanderson, Anderson
10 - Casey Winckowski, Erskine
9 - John Bolding, Erskine
9 - Zach Smith, Erskine
9 - Drew Willingham, Erskine
8 - Preston Shuey, Francis Marion
7 - Chad Balderman, Lander
7 - Chris Love, Newberry
7 - Jeff May, Lander
7 - Ryan Saxon, Anderson

Hits
86 - Adam Taylor, North Greenville
85 - Michael Wilson, Francis Marion
81 - Derek Fulmer, North Greenville
80 - Zach Smith, Erskine
80 - Buddy Sosnoskie, Francis Marion
78 - Spencer Jackson, USC Beaufort
73 - Tyler Lollis, Southern Wesleyan
72 - Stephen Carmon, USC Aiken
69 - John Bolding, Erskine
67 - Tyler Capplemann, Francis Marion
67 - Brandon Gipson, Benedict

Runs Scored
71 - Michael Wilson, Francis Marion
57 - Brandon Gipson, Benedict
50 - Zach Smith, Erskine
50 - Adam Taylor, North Greenville
49 - Brian Giles, North Greenville
48 - John Bolding, Erskine
46 - Stephen Carmon, USC Aiken
46 - Casey Winckowski, Erskine
45 - David Christy, Limestone
45 - Anthony Foulk, North Greenville
45 - Brian Laznik, Erskine

Runs Batted In
67 - Preston Shuey, Francis Marion
61 - Joe Maloney, Limestone
53 - Derek Fulmer, North Greenville
50 - Spencer Jackson, USC Beaufort
49 - Donald Smith, Claflin
47 - John Bolding, Erskine
47 - Brandon Gipson, Benedict
45 - Chris Love, Newberry
45 - Buddy Sosnoskie, Francis Marion
45 - Adam Taylor, North Greenville

Stolen Bases
45 - Brandon Gipson, Benedict
38 - Christopher Miller, Benedict
33 - Stephen Carmon, USC Aiken
29 - Michael Jordan, Benedict
23 - Stephen Bellantoni, USC Aiken
23 - Corey Byant, Benedict
23 - Brian Giles, North Greenville
23 - Elisha McDaniel, Benedict
21 - Selwyn Young, Benedict
20 - Chauncey Davis, Claflin

Doubles
21 - Derek Fulmer, North Greenville
18 - Zach Smith, Erskine
17 - Stephen Carmon, USC Aiken
17 - Brandon Gipson, Benedict
16 - Donald Smith, Claflin
15 - Jeff May, Lander
15 - Adam Taylor, North Greenville
14 - Brian Laznik, Erskine
14 - Joe Maloney, Limestone
14 - Jordan Owens, Lander
14 - Selwyn Young, Benedict

Triples
9 - Buddy Sosnoskie, Francis Marion
7 - Stephen Carmon, USC Aiken
7 - Brian Laznik, Erskine
7 - Michael Wilson, Francis Marion
6 - Chauncey Davis, Claflin
5 - Brandon Gipson, Benedict
5 - Zach Smith, Erskine
5 - Adam Taylor, North Greenville
4 - John Bolding, Erskine
4 - Corey Bryant, Benedict
4 - Nick Fuoco, Coker
4 - John Jones, Francis Marion
4 - Elisha McDaniel, Benedict
4 - A.J. Nunziato, Lander
4 - Eric Rodriquex, Benedict

Hit By Pitch
20 - Michael Wilson, Francis Marion
19 - Kevin Rufus, Newberry
19 - Buddy Sosnoskie, Francis Marion
13 - Preston Shuey, Francis Marion
12 - Ty Main, USC Beaufort
11 - Jake Frazier, Coker
11 - John Jones, Francis Marion
10 - Domanta Streeter, Voorhees
9 - Marshall Creed, Lander
9 - Brian Laznik, Erskine
9 - Tyler Lollis, Southern Wesleyan
9 - Adam Taylor, North Greenville
9 - Andy Vogel, Newberry

Sacrifice Bunts
16 - Brock McCallister, Francis Marion
14 - Anthony Foulk, North Greenville
13 - John Jones, Francis Marion
12 - Al Benson, Limestone
12 - Brian Giles, North Greenville
11 - Taylor Hollifield, North Greenville
11 - John Reinholz, North Greenville
9 - Tyler Boyd, Francis Marion
9 - Thomas Padro, Anderson
8 - DeMarcus Adams-England, Voorhees
8 - Chad Balderman, Limestone
8 - Brancy Cummins, Southern Wesleyan
8 - Teddy Leverett, USC Aiken
8 - Brian Paulhus, Francis Marion
8 - Larry Perry, USC Beaufort
8 - Robert Skinner, Lander

Sacrifice flies
9 - Buddy Sosnoskie, Francis Marion
7 - Nathan Wright, Southern Wesleyan
6 - Corey Bryant, Benedict
6 - Tyler Callicutt, North Greenville
6 - Joe Maloney, Limestone
6 - Preston Shuey, Francis Marion
5 - Tyler Boyd, Francis Marion
5 - Derek Fulmer, North Greenville
5 - Chris Love, Newberry
5 - Zach McCarthy, Erskine
5 - Josh Miller, USC Aiken
5 - Eric Rodriquez, Benedict
5 - Selwyn Young, Benedict

Slugging Percentage
.794 - Brandon Gipson, Benedict
.701 - Donald Smith, Claflin
.669 - Corey Bryant, Benedict
.654 - Joe Maloney, Limestone
.640 - Zach Smith, Erskine
.620 - Adam Taylor, North Greenville
.596 - Stephen Carmon, USC Aiken
.558 - Brian Laznik, Erskine
.555 - John Bolding, Erskine
.552 - Erick Sanderson, Anderson
.550 - Derek Fulmer, North Greenville
.550 - Buddy Sosnoskie, Francis Marion
Morris played just 14 games
.580 - Isaac Wilson, Morris
.571 - Joesph Osteen, Morris

On-Base Percentage
.552 - Brandon Gipson, Benedict
.518 - Donald Smith, Claflin
.479 - Adam Taylor, North Greenville
.476 - Corey Bryant, Benedict
.476 - Michael Wilson, Francis Marion
.474 - Stephen Carmon, USC Aiken
.474 - Buddy Sosnoskie, Francis Marion
.466 - Robert Skinner, Lander
.459 - Derek Fulmer, North Greenville
.459 - Ty Main, USC Beaufort
Morris played just 14 games
.659 - Isaac Wilson, Morris
.647 - Joesph Osteen, Morris
.620 - Quentillian Jones, Morris
.600 - Eugene Woods, Morris

Walks
47 - Robert Skinner, Lander
46 - Brian Giles, North Greenville
39 - Quentillian Jones, Morris
46 - Anthony Foulk, North Greenville
36 - Jake Rierson, Limestone
34 - Joe Maloney, Limestone
34 - Isaac Wilson, Morris
33 - Stephen Carmon, USC Aiken
33 - J.J. Loker, USC Aiken
31 - John Fogarile, Newberry

Strikeouts
49 - Tyler Callicutt, North Greenville
48 - Will Huff, Erskine
48 - Zach McCarthy, Erskine
47 - A.J. Nunziato, Lander
46 - Alan Abreu, Lander
45 - Robert Skinner, Lander
42 - Erick Sanderson, Anderson
42 - Drew Willingham, Erskine
39 - Chase Corn, Erskine
39 - Kevin Rufus, Newberry

Boras says Bradley making plans to return to college

2011-07-12T18:53:00.001-04:00

Adviser Scott Boras told Boston radio station WEEI that Red Sox draft pick Jackie Bradley Jr is preparing to return to college.

Boras

Final individual pitching leaders for state junior colleges

2011-07-11T23:19:00.000-04:00

Sources: School Websites, NJCAA.org
Several categories were not available for all schools
Wins
8 - Hunter Privette, Florence-Darlington Tech
8 - Tyler Broome, USC Sumter
7 - Ben Carlson, Spartanburg Methodist
6 - Tyler Fletcher, USC Sumter
6 - Tyler Smith, Spartanburg Methodist
6 - Sean townsley, Florence-Darlington Tech
6 - Chris Waters, Spartanburg Methodist
5 - Ryan Gunther, Spartanburg Methodist
5 - Josh Knab, USC Sumter
5 - Robert Lawhon, USC Sumter
5 - Jake Long, Spartanburg Methodist

Losses
6 - Brandon Stoots, USC Salkehatchie
5 - Tracy Bishop, Florence-Darlington Tech
5 - Jacob Hill, USC Lancaster
5 - Bert Knox, USC Salkehatchie
4 - Ben Carlson, Spartanburg Methodist
4 - Trevor Hammond, USC Lancaster
4 - Josh Knab, USC Sumter
4 - Dylan Parker, USC Lancaster
3 - Jeremy Lacey, USC Salkehatchie
3 - D.J. Lawson, USC Salkehatchie
3 - Corey Rhoney, Spartanburg Methodist
3 - Nicholas Smiley, USC Salkehatchie
3 - Kalin Smith, USC Salkehatchie
3 - Sean Townsley, Florence-Darlington Tech

Saves
9 - Kris Nelson, Florence-Darlington Tech
5 - Scott Baldwin, USC Sumter
5 - Hunter Rice, Spartanburg Methodist
4 - Kyle Pittman, USC Salkehatchie
3 - Robert Lawhon, USC Sumter

ERA (minimum 1 IP per team's games played)
2.04 - Tyler Fletcher, USC Sumter
3.41 - Ben Carlson, Spartanburg Methodist
3.41 - Tyler Smith, USC Sumter
3.54 - Hunter Privette, Florence-Darlington Tech
3.94 - Brandon Stoots, USC Salkehatchie
4.47 - Trevor Hammond, USC Lancaster

Innings Pitched
68.2 - Ben Carlson, Spartanburg Methodist
59.1 - Brandon Stoots, USC Salkehatchie
58.1 - Hunter Privette, Florence-Darlington Tech
58.0 - Tyler Smith, USC Sumter
57.1 - Tyler Fletcher, USC Sumter
54.1 - Trevor Hammond, USC Lancaster
51.2 - Tyler Broome, USC Sumter
51.2 - Adrian Rivero, USC Salkehatchie
49.1 - Ryan Long, Spartanburg Methodist
48.2 - Sean Townsley, Florence-Darlington Tech

Strikeouts
75 - Tyler Smith, USC Sumter
64 - Hunter Privette, Florence-Darlington Tech
60 - Sean Townsley, Florence-Darlington Tech
48 - Tyler Fletcher, USC Sumter
48 - Jake Long, Spartanburg Methodist
45 - Josh Knab, USC Sumter
41 - Tyler Broome, USC Sumter
40 - Ben Carlson, Spartanburg Methodist
35 - Dylan Parker, USC Lancaster
35 - Chris Waters, USC Sumter

Most Walks
34 - Sean Townsley, Florence-Darlington Tech
29 - Brandon Stoots, USC Salkehatchie
27 - Bert Knox, USC Salkehatchie
26 - Kalin Smith, USC Salkehatchie
25 - Tyler Broome, USC Sumter
23 - Tyler Asbury, USC Salkehatchie
23 - Tyler Smith, USC Sumter
22 - Christian Dickson, Florence-Darlington Tech
22 - Dylan Parker, USC Lancaster
20 - Andrew Ansley, USC Lancaster
20 - Casey Seay, USC Lancaster

Final individual offensive leaders for state junior colleges

2011-07-11T22:31:00.001-04:00

Source: School Websites, NJCAA.org
Batting Average
(minimum 3 PA per team's games)
.421 - Drew Hardee, Florence-Darlington Tech
.408 - Connor Lewis, USC Sumter
.394 - Jake Kirkland, USC Sumter
.368 - Bryce Baur, Florence-Darlington Tech
.362 - Jermale Page, USC Salkehatchie
.360 - Daniel Andreu, USC Sumter
.359 - Tyler Jackson, Spartanburg Methodist
.347 - Ben Boykin, Spartanburg Methodist
.339 - Will Simpson, USC Lancaster
.337 - Reggie Weatherford, Spartanburg Methodist
.335 - Travis Burnside, Spartanburg Methodist

Home Runs
8 - Robby Assemany, USC Salkehatchie
8 - Travis Burnside, Spartanburg Methodist
8 - William Chandler, Florence-Darlington Tech
8 - Luke Tollison, Spartanburg Methodist
7 - Jake Kirkland, USC Sumter
7 - Connor Lewis, USC Sumter
6 - Tyler Jackson, Spartanburg Methodist
5 - Tripp Faulk, USC Lancaster
5 - Scott Price, USC Sumter

Hits
66 - Reggie Weatherford, Spartanburg Methodist
64 - Drew Hardee, Florence-Darlington Tech
64 - Connor Lewis, USC Sumter
61 - Tyler Jackson, Spartanburg Methodist
61 - Jake Kirkland, USC Sumter
59 - Jermale Page, USC Salkehatchie
58 - Ben Boykin, Spartanburg Methodist
57 - Bryce Baur, Florence-Darlington Tech
56 - Reggie Weatherford, Spartanburg Methodist
54 - Daniel Andreu, USC Sumter
54 - Luke Tollison, Spartanburg Methodist
53 - Alex Dozier, USC Sumter
51 - Scott Price, USC Sumter

Runs Scored
57 - Travis Burnside, Spartanburg Methodist
53 - Jake Kirkland, USC Sumter
43 - Daniel Andreu, USC Sumter
43 - Bryce Baur, Florence-Darlington Tech
43 - Tyler Jackson, Spartanburg Methodist
43 - Connor Lewis, USC Sumter
41 - Drew Hardee, Florence-Darlington Tech
41 - Luke Tollison, Spartanburg Methodist
40 - Alex Dozier, USC Sumter
39 - Jermale Page, USC Salkehatchie

Runs Batted In
63 - Connor Lewis, USC Sumter
51 - Tyler Jackson, Spartanburg Methodist
51 - Jake Kirkland, USC Sumter
48 - Luke Tollison, Spartanburg Methodist
42 - Travis Burnside, Spartanburg Methodist
39 - Robby Assemany, USC Salkehatchie
37 - Rhodes Dickerson, Florence-Darlington Tech
34 - Bryce Baur, Florence-Darlington Tech
34 - Scott Price, USC Sumter
32 - Tripp Faulk, USC Lancaster

Stolen Bases
34 - Drew Hardee, Florence-Darlington Tech
26 - Bryce Baur, Florence-Darlington Tech
16 - Alex Dozier, USC Sumter
16 - Jermale Page, USC Salkehatchie
16 - Brent Perry, USC Sumter
14 - Corey Frye, USC Lancaster
13 - Daniel Andreu, USC Sumter
13 - Seth Neely, Spartanburg Methodist
13 - Will Simpson, USC Lancaster
11 - Jeremiah Jackson, USC Salkehatchie
11 - Reggie Weatherford, Spartanburg Methodist
10 - Travis Burnside, Spartanburg Methodist

Doubles
20 - Luke Tollison, Spartanburg Methodist
19 - Jake Kirkland, USC Sumter
18 - Connor Lewis, USC Sumter
17 - Tyler Jackson, Spartanburg Methodist
17 - Todd Joyner, Florence-Darlington Tech
13 - Ben Boykin, Spartanburg Methodist
13 - Scott Price, USC Sumter
11 - Robby Assemany, USC Salkehatchie
11 - Jermale Page, USC Salkehatchie
9 - Bryce Baur, Florence-Darlington Tech
9 - Dalton Novia, USC Salkehatchie

Triples
7 - Travis Burnside, Spartanburg Methodist
4 - Jermale Page, USC Salkehatchie
4 - Brent Perry, USC Sumter
3 - Aaron Davis, USC Salkehatchie

What's wrong with this picture?

2011-07-11T13:13:00.004-04:00

This is a panoramic shot of one of the Vanderbilt-North Carolina games on the College World Series. My brother, not a big baseball fan, caught it when it slipped my attention.

Picture

Take a look and give your guess in the comments section.

Benedict's Young signs

2011-07-10T01:00:00.005-04:00

Benedict's Selwyn Young has signed a contract with the independent Newark Bears of the CanAm League.

Young

The Palmetto Glove defense awards for S.C. NCAA Division I schools

2011-07-09T10:46:00.002-04:00

The selections are all mine. Please feel free to disagree in the comments section at the bottom of the post.

PITCHER
Anthony Meo, Coastal Carolina 11 putouts, 18 assists, 0 errors in 16 starts
Daniel Stallsmith, Furman 9 putouts, 15 assists, 0 errors in 18 games (14 starts).

RELIEF PITCHER
Drake Brown, Furman 9 putouts, 15 assists, 0 errors in 31 relief appearances.

CATCHER
Spencer Kieboom, Clemson 326 putouts, 38 assists, 2 errors, 3 passed balls in 53 games (51 starts). Threw out 15 of 45 baserunners attempting to steal.

FIRST BASE
Richie Shaffer, Clemson 429 putouts, 40 assists, 3 errors in 63 games (all starts).
Aaron Thompkins, Furman 484 putouts, 28 assists, 3 errors in 50 games (44 starts).

SECOND BASE
Tyler Cook, Winthrop, 79 putouts, 131 assist, 5 errors in 55 games (54 starts).
Tommy La Stella, Coastal Carolina 105 putouts, 184 assists, 7 assists in 61 games, all starts.
Alex Lee, Wofford 125 putouts, 134 assists, 7 errors in 55 games (54 starts).
Will Muzika, Furman 108 putouts, 107 assists, 5 assists in 56 games (all starts).
Scott Wingo, South Carolina 137 putouts, 245 assists, 11 errors in 69 games (68 starts). He participated in 65 double plays and his glove work in Omaha was a major reason the Gamecocks won the National Championship.

SHORTSTOP
Adam Gliebe, Winthop 79 putouts, 177 assists, 11 errors in 57 games (55 starts).
Peter Mooney, South Carolina 97 putouts, 188 assists, 14 errors in 69 games (all starts). After making seven errors in his first 18 games, Mooney made just seven of his final 51 during USC's title run.

THIRD BASE
Alex Abrams, Furman 38 putouts, 89 assists, 6 errors in 50 games (44 starts).
Matt Leeds, College of Charleston 82 putouts. 111 assists, 10 errors in 60 games (all starts).

OUTFIELD
Daniel Bowman, Coastal Carolina 111 puts, 4 assists, 1 error in 69 games (all starts).
Will Miller, Furman 153 putouts, 6 assists, 1 error in 55 games (all starts).
T.J. Olesczuk, Winthrop 154 putouts. 7 assists, 1 error in 57 games (49 starts).
Cole Rakar, College of Charleston 130 putouts. 6 assists, 0 errors in 61 games (all starts).
Cam Walters, Winthrop 152 putouts, 6 assists, 1 error in 50 games (49 starts).

TWO-WAY
Will Lamb, Clemson 153 putouts, 8 assists, 0 errors in 59 games as pitcher and outfielder.

UTILITY
Robert Beary, South Carolina 266 putouts, 22 assists, 2 errors in 65 games (60 starts). His versatility (catcher, third base, left field, right field) helped the Gamecocks get through a series of mid-season injuries.

One interesting note from my defensive research: USC outfielder Jake Williams had one assist all season: the one to nail a Florida runner at home plate in Game 1 of the College World Series championship series and keep the game tied.

Reames leaves Furman for The Citadel

2011-07-08T22:23:00.001-04:00

Former The Citadel pitching star Britt Reames has returned to his alma mater as pitching coach. The Seneca native moves to Charleston from Furman, where he also served as pitching coach.

Reames

USC's top 25 moments in 2011?

2011-07-08T14:55:00.000-04:00

David Cloninger of GamecockCentral.com takes a stab at the Top 25 moments of South Carolina's 2011 national championship season. It's a good list. Can you thing of one he left out? Share your thoughts in the comments section of this post.

USC

News Digest, July 8

2011-07-08T00:16:00.000-04:00

Pearson signs with Padres
Byrnes High graduate and four-year Erskine standout Atlee Pearson has signed a minor-league deal with the San Diego Padres.

Pearson

Aldrich, Zebedis honored
Daniel Aldrich of College of Charleston was a first-team selection and Brad Zebedis of Presbyterian was a second-team choice on Baseball America's freshman all-American team.

BBA

Trojans add players
Anderson University has announced the signing for 14 players for the upcoming season.

Trojans

Aldrich gets Perfect Game honor

2011-07-07T07:50:00.003-04:00

College of Charleston's Daniel Aldrich was named to Perfect Game USA's freshman all-American team. I'm kind of surprised that PC;s Brad Zebedis didn't make it. Hisa numbers are comparable with the DH selected.

PGUSA

Some media reflections on the 2011 season

2011-07-07T00:03:00.001-04:00

Eric Sorenson of CollegeBaseballToday.com asked several members of the national media for their impressions for the 2011 season. Take at look at the questions and feel free to answer any or all of them in the comments section below. I'm on a tight schedule right now, so I'll post my responses later this week.

2011

Palmetto State Baseball's 2011 all-state team for NCAA DI schools

2011-07-06T15:15:00.004-04:00

Here's my all-state team. Let me know where you disagree. I hurried through the typing process, so let me know if I have someone's team wrong.

STARTING PITCHER
In alphabetical order
(more than half of appearances must have been as a starter to merit first-team consideration)
Josh Conway, Coastal Carolina 8-2 record, 2.69 ERA in 20 appearances, 12 of which were starts. He struck out 70 batters in 77 innings.
Forrest Koumas, South Carolina 6-1 record, 2.96 ERA in 19 appearances,including two starts. Struck out 63 batters in 73 innings.
Anthony Meo, Coastal Carolina 10-3 record, 2.16 ERA in 16 games, all starts. He struck out 115 batters in 108 1/3 innings and pitched a no-hitter in the Big South Conference Tournament.
Christian Powell, College of Charleston 8-1 record, 3.09 ERA in 16 appearances, 12 of which were starts. He struck out 63 batters in 81 2/3 innings.
Michael Roth, South Carolina 14-3 record, 1.06 ERA in 21 games, including 20 starts>. He struck out 112 batters in 145 innings in leading the Gamecocks to their second straight College World Series title. He allowed three home runs.
Justin Sarratt, Clemson 7-2 record, 2.57 ERA in 18 appearances, including 13 starts. He struck out 65 batters in 80 2/3 innings as he bounced back from an injury-shortened 2010 season.

High honorable mention
Cash Collins, Wofford 8-4, 3.15, 18 games (14 starts), 97 IP.
Colby Holmes, South Carolina 7-3, 3.69, 18 games (13 starts). He struck out 77 batters in 85 1/3 innings.
Dominic Leone Clemson 6-2, 3.70, 15 appearances (12 starts) despite missing several weeks with an injury.
Matt Rein, Coastal Carolina 9-2, 2.07. Nine of 18 appearances were starts.
Josh Renfro, College of Charleston 9-3, 3.66, 77 strikeouts in 96 innings.

Honorable mention
Jim Birmingham, Coastal Carolina 3-2, 3.62. 10 of 20 appearances were starts.
Bobby Lyne, Furman 4-4, 3.84, 13 games, all starts.
Tyler Mizenko, Winthrop 5-3, 3.79, 15 appearances, all starts, 90.1 IP.

RELIEF PITCHER
(Most than half of games must have been in relief for first-team consideration)
John Cornely, Wofford 2-1, 1.85, 9 saves in 39 innings covering 23 relief appearances.
David Haselden, Clemson 6-1, 2.23, 3 saves in 76 2/3 innings covering 25 appearances (four starts).
Charlie McCready, Charleston Southern 6-2, 2.29, 5 saves in 40 innings covering 27 appearances (one start).
Matt Price, South Carolina 7-3, 1.83, 20 saves in 36 relief appearances. He struck out 75 in 59 innings.
John Taylor, South Carolina 8-1, 1.14. His 50 appearances (all in relief) were one short of the NCAA single-season record. 63 strikeouts in 71 1/3 innings and allowed no home runs.

High honorable mention
Dylan Cole, Furman 2-2, 3.00, 10 saves in 39 innings covering 26 appearances.
Jordan Coons, Coastal Carolina 5-3, 1.38 in 45 2/3 innings covering 23 games (three starts).
Scott Firth, Clemson 5-1, 3.06 in 50 innings over 16 games (seven starts).
Kevin Pohle, Clemson 5-2, 1.93 in 32 2/3 innings covering 17 appearances (three starts).
Scott Weismann, Clemson 3-5, 4.89, 7 in 57 innings covering 24 games (8 starts). After struggling as a starter, Weismann was brilliant after his move to the bullpen. He gave up two runs in his first relief appearance, then one over his final 15. He had an ERA of 1.50 as a reliever.

Honorable mention
Ryan Connolly, Coastal Carolina 0-1. 2.79, 3 saves in 42 innings covering 32 relief appearances.
Jeremy Long, The Citadel 4-3, 2.95, 1 save in27 appearances covering 35 2/3 innings.
Jose Mata, South Carolina 3-0, 1.76 in 23 relief appearances covering 30 2/3 innings.
Jonathan Meyer, Clemson 5-2, 331, 1 save, 63 strikeouts in 68 innings covering 23 appearances (seven starts).
Eric Ruth, Winthrop 6-1, 3.55, 4 saves in 24 relief appearances covering 46 2/3 innings.
Tyler Webb, South Carolina 3-1, 3.00 in 22 games, including 17 in relief. He pitched 36 innings.

CATCHER
Eddie Rohan, Winthrop .342, 5 HR, 38 RBI, 8 SB in 53 games, all starts.
Brad Zebedis, Presbyterian .425, 23 2B, 13 HR, 57 RBI in 56 games (55 starts). He also played DH and 1B, but I've shifted him to catcher.

High honorable mention
Rob Kral, College of Charleston .319 BA, 11 HR, 48 RBI in 61 games, all starts.
Brady Thomas, South Carolina .316, 4 HR, 43 RBI in 63 games (60 starts).

Honorable mention
Joe Jackson, The Citadel .302 in 54 games (45 starts).
Spencer Kieboom, Clemson .282, 1 Hr, 31 RBI in 53 games (51 starts).
Luke Weber, USC Upstate .279, 4 HR, 38 RBI in 51 games, all starts.

FIRST BASE
Christian Walker, South Carolina .358, 21 2B, 10 HR, 62 RBI in 69 games, all starts.
Richie Shaffer, Clemson .315, 13 HR, 55 RBI in 63 games, all starts.

High honorable mention
Nick Chinners, Charleston Southern .330, 5 HR, 36 RBI in 51 games (48 starts).
Konstantine Diamaduros, Wofford .332, 36 RBI in 55 games (all starts).
Aaron Thompkins, Furman .348, 1 HR, 26 RBI, 6 steals in 52 games (50 starts).
Rich Witten, Coastal Carolina .300, 6 HR, 51 RBI in 61 games (60 starts).

Honorable mention
Justin Mackert, The Citadel .303, 2 HR, 33 RBI, 17 SB in 56 games, all starts.
Trey Richardson, USC Upstate .297, 12 2B in 52 games, all starts.

SECOND BASE
Tommy LaStella, Coastal Carolina, 398, 15 WB, 14 HR, 70 RBI in 61 games, all starts.
Scott Wingo, South Carolina .338, 47 runs scored in 69 games (68 starts).

Honorable mention
Rob Harding, College of Charleston .289 in 49 games (37 starts).
Brandon McKinney, Charleston Southern. 287, 36 games (25 starts).
Will Muzika, Furman .271 h HR, 9 SB in 56 games (all starts).
Jason Stolz, Clemson .285, 30 runs, 27 RBI, 8 steals in 63 games, all starts.

SHORTSTOP
Brad Miller, Clemson .395, 5 HR, 50 RBI, 53 runs, 21 SB in 56 games (54 starts) despite missing time with a hand injury.
Andrew Williams, Presbyterian .325, 79 hits, 9 SB in 56 games, all starts.

High honorable mention
Alex Tomasovich, Charleston Southern .351 in 41 games (35 starts).

Honorable mention
Adam Gliebe, Winthrop .316, 11 SB in 57 games (55 starts).
Peter Mooney, South Carolina .280, 37 RBi, 46 runs in 69 games, all starts.
Taylor Motter, Coastal Carolina .288, 21 SB in 62 games (61 starts).

THIRD BASE
John Hinson, Clemson .331, 9 HR, 41 RBI, 23 SB in 60 games, all starts
Matt Leeds, College of Charleston .345, 18 HR, 80 RBI in 60 games, all starts.

High honorable mention
Drew DeKerlegand, The Citadel .317 in 56 games, all starts.
Jaren Sustar, Charleston Southern .324, 10 SB in 58 games, all starts.

Honorable mention
Alex Abrams, Furman .289 in 50 games (44 starts).

OUTFIELD
Daniel Aldrich, College of Charleston .347, 22 HR, 73 RBI in 59 games (58 starts).
Blake Green, USC Upstate .399, 95 hits in 55 games, all starts.
Tony Micklon, Presbyterian .343 12 HR, 51 RBI in 56 games, all starts.

High honorable mention
Jeff Schaus, Clemson .323, 43 RBI, 10 SB in 63 games, all starts.
Matt Still, Charleston Southern .358 in 51 games (42 starts).

Honorable mention
Daniel Bowman, Coastal Carolina . 277, 12 HR, 59 RBI, 11 SB in 59 games, all starts.
Chris Epps, Clemson .292, 10 HR, 42 RBI, 11 SB in 61 games (57 starts).
James Foster, Wofford .306, 232 SB in 55 games, all starts.
Mack Hite, Presbyterian .316 in 56 games, all starts.
William Ladd, The Citadel .327, 18 SB in 56 games, all starts.
Evan Marzilli, South Carolina .291, 39 runs scored in 65 games (59 starts)
Brantley Meier, Charleston Southern .313, 22 SB in 58 games, all starts.
Will Miller, Furman .298, 16 SB in 56 games (55 starts).
T.J. Olesczuk, Winthrop .307, 8 SB in 57 games (49 starts).
Nick Orvin, The Citadel .320, 9 HR, 19 SB in 55 games, all starts
Will Owens, Furman .321, 13 SB in 55 games, all starts.
Cole Rakar, College of Charleston .311, 16 SB in 61 games, all starts.
Juse Rodriguez, College of Charleston .286, 11 HR in 61 games, all starts.
Cameron Walters, Winthrop .321, 11 SB in 50 games (49 starts).

DESIGNATED HITTER
Mac Doyle, Wofford .300, 10 HR, 46 RBI, 10 SB in 55 games, all starts.
Phil Pohl, Clemson .333 in 60 games (57 starts).

UTILITY
Walt Quattlebaum, Charleston Southern .355, in 56 games (54 starts).
Scott Woodward, Coastal Carolina .342, 57 R, 31 SB in 55 games, all starts.

High honorable mention
Marty Gantt, College of Charleston .329, 7 HR, 25 SB in 61 games, all starts.
Austin Liput, USC Upstate .307, 8 3B, 4 HR in 54 games, all starts.

Honorable mention
Robert Beary, South Carolina .289, 35 RBI in 65 games (60 starts).

TWO-WAY
Gaither Bumgardner, USC Upstate .371 BA in 39 games, all starts. 1-4 record, 5.79 ERA in 10 games (nine starts).
Will Lamb, Clemson .348, 39 RBI, 13 SB in 59 games, all starts. 1-1 record, 5.11 ERA in 10 appearances (four in relief).

High honorable mention
Steven Neff, South Carolina 12 of his 18 hits were for extra bases as he filled in as outfielder/DH during USC injury problems. 3-1 record, 2.45 ERA in 12 appearances (7 starts).

Palmetto State Baseball's 2011 freshman all-state team for NCAA DI schools

2011-07-05T23:08:00.005-04:00

The selections were solely mine. I checked rosters on school Websites to confirm freshman status. Let me know if you think I omitted someone worthy and I'll take a look.
There was a vast disparity in the amount of playing time freshmen received, so it was a struggle to fill some positions. I also took some liberties on positions when a player played several positions. I intend to post an overall all-state team and "Palmetto Glove" defensive team as time permits.

STARTING PITCHERS
Forrest Koumas, South Carolina: 6-1 record, 2.96 ERA in 19 games, including 12 starts. He struck out 63 batters in 73 innings to help the Gamecocks win the College World Series.
Honorable mention
David Roseboom, USC Upstate 4-10 record, 6.20 ERA in 20 games including 17 starts. He moved into a starter role for a pitching-challenged USC Upstate team.
Tyler Wood, Furman 3-5, 6.52 ERA in 15 games, including 14 starts. He earned a role as a weekend starter in the Paladins' rotation.

RELIEF PITCHERS
Matt Campbell, Clemson 1-0 record, 3.09 ERA in 23 1/3 innings over 16 relief appearances He picked up two saves and held opposing hitter to a .154 batting average,
Kevin Pohle, Clemson 5-2 record, 1.93 ERA in 32 2/3 innings over 17 games, including three starts. He worked his way into a key role in the Tigers' bullpen
Bobby Rednour, USC Upstate 0-0 record, but a 3.54 ERA over 17 games.

CATCHERS
Joe Jackson, The Citadel .302 batting average in 54 games, including 45 starts
Honorable mention
Luke Weber, USC Upstate .279 batting average with 4 home runs and 38 RBIs in 51 games, all starts.

FIRST BASE
Jon McGibbon, Clemson .339 batting average in 43 games, including 11 starts.

SECOND BASE
Cody Austin, Charleston Southern .255 batting average in 23 games, including 13 starts.

SHORTSTOP
Alex Tomasovich, Charleston Southern .351 batting average in 41 games, including 35 starts. He also stole three bases.

THIRD BASE
Drew DeKerlegand, The Citadel .317 batting average with 2 homers and 24 RBIS in 56 games, all starts
Honorable mention
Alex Abrams, Furman .289 batting average in 50 games, including 44 starts.

OUTFIELD
Daniel Aldrich, College of Charleston .347 batting average with 22 homers and 73 RBis in 59 games, including 58 starts.
Dominic Attanasio, Clemson .367 batting average in 33 games, including 10 starts. He also stole 11 bases.
T.J. Olesczuk, Winthrop .307 batting average with a home run, 23 RBIs and 8 stolen bases in 57 games, including 49 starts.
Honorable mention
Hunter Burton, Furman .250 batting average in 34 games,including 15 starts. He stole four bases.

DESIGNATED HITTER
Brad Zebedis, Presbyterian batted .425 in56 games,including 55 starts. He had 23 doubles, 13 homers and 57 RBIs.

UTILITY
Anthony Vacca, USC Upstate .266 batting average in 33 games, including 30 starts.

TWO-WAY
I couldn't find a combination pitcher/position player with numbers worthy of inclusion.

FRESHMAN PLAYER OF THE YEAR (tie)
Aldrich, Zebedis

USC drafted players update

2011-07-05T13:08:00.003-04:00

David Cloninger of GamecockCentral.com offers speculation on signing/staying prospects for several USC players and signees,

USC

Final individual pitching leaders for state NCAA DI schools

2011-07-05T00:13:00.002-04:00

Through June 29
Wins
14 - Michael Roth, South Carolina
10 - Anthony Meo, Coastal Carolina
9 - Matt Rein, Coastal Carolina
9 - Josh Renfro, College of Charleston
8 - Cash Collins, Wofford
8 - Josh Conway, Coastal Carolina
8 - Christian Powell, College of Charleston
8 - John Taylor, South Carolina
7 - Colby Holmes, South Carolina
7 - Matt Price, South Carolina
7 - Justin Sarratt, Clemson

Losses
10 - David Roseboom, USC Upstate
8 - Matteo D'Angelo, Winthrop
8 - Jordan Pace, Presbyterian
7 - Stew Brase, Charleston Southern
7 - Tom Dolinak, Wofford
7 - Bud Jeter, Presbyterian
7 - Justin Russell, The Citadel
7 - Matt Talley, The Citadel
6 - Jesse Cadenhead, Charleston Southern
6 - Scott DeCecco, USC Upstate
6 - Buck Mosteller, Presbyterian
6 - David Peterson, College of Charleston
6 - Brandon Yarusi, Wofford

Saves
20 - Matt Price, South Carolina
10 - Dylan Cole, Furman
9 - John Cornely, Wofford
8 - Kyle Owings, College of Charleston
7 - Corey Deighan, Charleston Southern
7 - Casey Lucchese, College of Charleston
7 - Scott Weismann, Clemson
5 - Drew Mahaffey, The Citadel
5 - Charlie McCready, Charleston Southern
4 - T.J. Clarkson, The Citadel
4 - Chandler Knox, Presbyterian
4 - Tommy Lawrence, Winthrop
4 - Eric Ruth, Winthrop
4 - Jake Waller, USC Upstate

ERA (minimum 1 IP per team's games played)
1.06 - Michael Roth, South Carolina
1.14 - John Taylor, South Carolina
2.07 - Matt Rein, Coastal Carolina
2.16 - Anthony Meo, Coastal Carolina
2.23 - David Haselden, Clemson
2.29 - Charlie McCready, Charleston Southern
2.57 - Justin Sarratt, Clemson
2.69 - Josh Conway, Coastal Carolina
2.96 - Forrest Koumas, South Carolina
3.09 - Christian Powell, College of Charleston

Innings Pitched
145.0 - Michael Roth, South Carolina
108.1 - Anthony Meo, Coastal Carolina
97.0 - Cash Collins, Wofford
96.0 - Josh Renfro, College of Charleston
90.1 - Tyler Mizenko, Winthrop
89.1 - Robert Lake, Winthrop
88.2 - Stew Brase, Charleston Southern
87.2 - David Peterson, College of Charleston
86.1 - Jesse Cadenhead, Charleston Southern
85.1 - Colby Holmes, South Carolina

Games
50 - John Taylor, South Carolina
36 - Matt Price, South Carolina
32 - T.J. Clarkson, The Citadel
32 - Ryan Connolly, Coastal Carolina
31 - Drake Browne, Furman
28 - Aaron Burke, Coastal Carolina
28 - Chris Knauff, USC Upstate
27 - Alex Frederick, Clemson
27 - Chandler Knox, Presbyterian
27 - Jeremy Long, The Citadel
27 - Charlie McCready, Charleston Southern

Games Started
20 - Michael Roth, South Carolina
17 - Scott DeCecco, USC Upstate
17 - David Roseboom, USC Upstate
16 - Anthony Meo, Coastal Carolina
15 - Tyler Mizenko, Winthrop
15 - David Peterson, College of Charleston
15 - Josh Renfro, College of Charleston
14 - Stew Brase, Charleston Southern
14 - Jesse Cadenhead, Charleston Southern
14 - Cash Collins, Wofford
14 - Matteo D'Angelo, Winthrop
14 - Robert Lake, Winthrop
14 - Buck Mosteller, Presbyterian
14 - Austin Pritcher, The Citadel
14 - Daniel Stallsmith, Furman
14 - Tyler Wood, Furman

Complete Games
3 - Stew Brase, Charleston Southern
3 - Jordan Pace, Presbyterian
2 - Jesse Cadenhead, Charleston Southern
2 - Cash Collins, Wofford
2 - Steven Richardson, Presbyterian
2 - Matt Talley, The Citadel
1 - Gaither Bumgardner, USC Upstate
1 - Robert Lake, Winthrop
1 - Anthony Meo, Coastal Carolina
1 - Jonathan Meyer, Clemson
1 - Buck Mosteller, Presbyterian
1 - Matt Rein, Coastal Carolina
1 - Josh Renfro, College of Charleston
1 - Michael Roth, South Carolina

Shutouts
1 - Gaither Bumgardner, USC Upstate
1 - Anthony Meo, Coastal Carolina
1 - Matt Rein, Coastal Carolina

Strikeouts
115 - Anthony Meo, Coastal Carolina
112 - Michael Roth, South Carolina
80 - Jesse Cadenhead, Charleston Southern
77 - Colby Holmes, South Carolina
77 - Josh Renfro, College of Charleston
77 - Austin Pritcher, The Citadel
75 - Matt Price, South Carolina
72 - Dominic Leone, Clemson
72 - Matt Talley, The Citadel
70 - Josh Conway, Coastal Carolina

Most Walks
51 - Patrick Dolan, Charleston Southern
47 - Scott DeCecco, USC Upstate
42 - Stew Brase, Charleston Southern
41 - Michael Roth, South Carolina
40 - Bryce Hines, The Citadel
40 - Buck Mosteller, Presbyterian
37 - Anthony Markham, Charleston Southern
37 - Daniel Stallsmith, Furman
33 - David Roseboom, USC Upstate
32 - Cash Collins, Wofford
32 - Bobby Lyne, Furman
32 - Bud Jeter, Presbyterian

Most Home Runs Allowed
13 - Colby Holmes, South Carolina
11 - David Roseboom, USC Upstate
10 - Scott DeCecco, USC Upstate
10 - Andrew Wyant, USC Upstate
9 - Bud Jeter, Presbyterian
9 - Robert Lake, Winthrop
9 - Austin Pritcher, The Citadel
9 - Daniel Stallsmith, Furman
8 - Jesse Cadenhead, Charleston Southern
8 - Justin Russell, The Citadel
8 - Jake Waller, USC Upstate
8 - Tyler Wood, Furman

Final individual offensive leaders for state NCAA D1 schools

2011-07-04T22:52:00.000-04:00

Through June 29
Batting Average
(minimum 3.1 plate appearances per team's games)
.425 - Brad Zebedis, Presbyterian
.399 - Blake Green, USC Upstate
.398 - Tommy La Stella, Coastal Carolina
.395 - Brad Miller, Clemson
.371 - Gaither Bumgardner, USC Upstate
.35795 - Matt Still, Charleston Southern
.35793 - Christian Walker, South Carolina
.355 - Walt Quattlebaum, Charleston Southern
.348 - Aaron Thompkins, Furman
.347 - Daniel Aldrich, College of Charleston

Home Runs
22- Daniel Aldrich, College of Charleston
18 - Matt Leeds, College of Charleston
14 - Tommy La Stella, Coastal Carolina
13 - Richie Shaffer, Clemson
13 - Brad Zebedis, Presbyterian
12 - Daniel Bowman, Coastal Carolina
12 - Tony Micklon, Presbyterian
12 - Derek Smith, Charleston Southern
11 - Rob Kral, College of Charleston
11 - Jose Rodriguez, College of Charleston

Hits
97 - Christian Walker, South Carolina
95 - Blake Green, USC Upstate
92 - Tommy La Stella, Coastal Carolina
90 - Brad Zebedis, Presbyterian
81 - Jaren Sustar, Charleston Southern
81 - John Hinson, Clemson
81 - Scott Wingo, South Carolina
80 - Matt Leeds, College of Charleston
79 - Will Lamb, Clemson
79 - Andrew Williams, Presbyterian

Runs Scored
77 - Daniel Aldrich, College of Charleston
66 - Matt Leeds, College of Charleston
64 - Christian Walker, South Carolina
63 - Marty Gantt, College of Charleston
62 - John Hinson, Clemson
62 - Rob Kral, College of Charleston
62 - Richie Shaffer, Clemson
59 - Tommy La Stella, Coastal Carolina
57 - Scott Woodward, Coastal Carolina
55 - Cole Rakar, College of Charleston

Runs Batted In
80 - Matt Leeds, College of Charleston
73 - Daniel Aldrich, College of Charleston
70 - Tommy La Stella, Coastal Carolina
62 - Christian Walker, South Carolina
59 - Daniel Bowman, Coastal Carolina
57 - Brad Zebedis, Presbyterian
55 - Richie Shaffer, Clemson
51 - Tony Micklon, Presbyterian
51 - Jose Rodriguez, College of Charleston
51 - Rich Witten, Coastal Carolina

Stolen Bases
31 - Scott Woodward, Coastal Carolina
25 - Marty Gantt, College of Charleston
23 - John Hinson, Clemson
22 - James Foster, Wofford
22 - Brantley Meier, Charleston Southern
21 - Tom Burkett, Charleston Southern
21 - Brad Miller, Clemson
21 - Taylor Motter, Coastal Carolina
19 - Nick Orvin, The Citadel
18 - William Ladd, The Citadel

Doubles
23 - Brad Zebedis, Presbyterian
22 - Phil Pohl, Clemson
21 - Christian Walker, South Carolina
20 - Matt Still, College of Charleston
20 - Jeff Schaus, Clemson
20 - Luke Weber, USC Upstate
18 - Matt Leeds, College of Charleston
18 - Rich Witten, Coastal Carolina
17 - Daniel Aldrich, College of Charleston
17 - Patrick Gamblin, Winthrop
17 - Rob Kral, College of Charleston
17 - Tony Micklon, Presbyterian
17 - Hayes Orton, Coastal Carolina
17 - Scott Woodward, Coastal Carolina

Triples
8 - Austin Liput, USC Upstate
7 - Mac Doyle, Wofford
6 - Jake Williams, South Carolina
5 - Konstantine Diamaduros, Wofford
5 - Brad Felder, The Citadel
5 - Andrew Williams, Presbyterian
4 - Drew DeKerlegand, The Citadel
4 - J.B. Jenkins, Furman
4 - Will Lamb, Clemson
4 - Tommy La Stella, Coastal Carolina

Hit By Pitch
22 - Scott Woodward, Coastal Carolina
17 - Scott Wingo, South Carolina
16 - Alex Lee, Wofford
15 - Brad Zebedis, Presbyterian
14 - Tom Burkett, Charleston Southern
14 - William Ladd, The Citadel
14 - Brantley Meier, Charleston Southern
13 - Tyler Cook, Winthrop
13 - Will Miller, Furman
12 - Drew DeKerlegand, The Citadel
12 - Adrian Morales, South Carolina
12 - Cole Rakar, College of Charleston
12 - Eddie Rohan, Winthrop

Sacrifice Bunts
19 - Hayes Orton, Coastal Carolina
15 - Jaren Sustar, Charleston Southern
14 - Peter Mooney, South Carolina
12 - Tyler Cook, USC Upstate
12 - Brantley Meier, Charleston Southern
12 - Cam Walters, Winthrop
10- Tyler Cook, Winthrop
10 - Alex Lee, Wofford
10 - Evan Marzilli, South Carolina
10 - Jason Stolz, Clemson
10 - Scott Wingo, South Carolina

Sacrifice flies
7 - Spencer Kieboom, Clemson
7 - Daniel Aldrich, College of Charleston
6 - Patrick Gamblin, Winthrop
6 - Will Lamb, Clemson
6 - Cole Rakar, College of Charleston
6 - Scott Woodward, Coastal Carolina
5 - Adam Gliebe, Winthrop
5 - John Hinson, Clemson
5 - Mack Hite, Presbyterian
5 - William Ladd, The Citadel
5 - Tommy LaStella, Coastal Carolina
5 - Peter Mooney, South Carolina
5 - Adrian Morales, South Carolina
5 - Phil Pohl, Clemson
5 - Jeff Schaus, Clemson
5 - Jason Stolz, Clemson
5 - Brady Thomas, South Carolina
5 - Brett Thomas, Winthrop

Slugging Percentage
.739 - Daniel Aldrich, College of Charleston
.717 - Brad Zebedis, Presbyterian
.680 - Tommy La Stella, Coastal Carolina
.672 - Matt Leeds, College of Charleston
.599 - Tony Micklon, Presbyterian
.577 - Richie Shaffer, Clemson
.568 - Mac Doyle, Wofford
.563 - Rob Kral, College of Charleston
.559 - Brad Miller, Clemson
.554 - Christian Walker, South Carolina

On-Base Percentage
.498 - Brad Miller, Clemson
.492 - Brad Zebedis, Presbyterian
.480 - Scott Woodward, Coastal Carolina
.476 - Tommy La Stella, Coastal Carolina
.471 - Rob Kral, College of Charleston
.469 - Marty Gantt, College of Charleston
.468 - Blake Green, USC Upstate
.467 - Scott Wingo, South Carolina
.447 - Matt Leeds, College of Charleston
.442 - Eddie Rohan, Winthrop

Walks
61 - Rob Kral, College of Charleston
55 - Marty Gantt, College of Charleston
46 - Taylor Motter, Coastal Carolina
44 - Chas Crane, Winthrop
44 - Peter Mooney, South Carolina
44 - Richie Shaffer, Clemson
44 - Scott Wingo, South Carolina
41 - Chris Epps, Clemson
41 - Jeff Schaus, Clemson
40 - Brad Miller, Clemson

Strikeouts
63 - Evan Marzilli, South Carolina
61 - Matt Leeds, College of Charleston
59 - Daniel Aldrich, College of Charleston
58 - Chris Epps, Clemson
58 - Scott Woodward, Coastal Carolina
57 - Brad Felder, The Citadel
54 - Jose Rodriguez, College of Charleston
53 - Richie Shaffer, Clemson
48 - Mac Doyle, Wofford
47 - Chas Crane, Winthrop
47 - Austin Liput, USC Upstate
47 - Tony Richardson, USC Upstate

Selected final offensive stats for state NCAA DI teams

2011-07-04T21:24:00.002-04:00

Ranking is by batting average. Through June 29

School	Games	BA	Homers	SB
Clemson	63	.318	48	106
Charleston Southern	59	.298	29	82
College of Charleston	61	.297	81	73
USC Upstate	55	.295	18	22
Presbyterian	56	.2937	37	40
South Carolina	69	.2935	46	41
The Citadel	56	.2824	25	93
Winthrop	52	.2819	20	77
Coastal Carolina	62	.281	51	102
Furman	57	.277	24	066
Wofford	55	.265	19	85

Selected final pitching statistcs for state NCAA Division I teams

2011-07-04T21:18:00.000-04:00

Ranking is by Team ERA. Through June 29

School	ERA	Strikeouts	HR allowed	Svs
South Carolina	2.45	536	28	23
Coastal Carolina	2.97	478	27	9
Clemson	3.32	486	28	16
College of Charleston	4.28	467	24	20
The Citadel	4.81	400	37	12
Winthrop	5.00	318	31	8
Wofford	5.12	381	29	10
Presbyterian	5.34	255	37	8
Furman	5.51	272	40	10
Charleston Southern	5.57	414	36	16
USC Upstate	7.09	298	51	8

Miller discusses winning Brooks Wallace Award

2011-07-03T23:22:00.002-04:00

The below link provides video of Clemson's Brad Miller talking about being named the 2011 winner of the Brooks Wallace Award as best shortstop in college baseball.

Miller

Report: USC's Anderson transferring

2011-07-03T21:23:00.000-04:00

John Whittle of TheBigSpur.com reports USC reserve outfielder DeSean Anderson plans to transfer to another school. It's a story for paying site members only, but the accompanying picture does suggest a reason for the move.

Anderson

Family attends Wilhelm's induction

2011-07-03T14:19:00.000-04:00

A photo on the College Baseball Hall of Fame's Facebook page shows members of former Clemson coach Bill Wilhelm's family accepting a belt buckle commemorating his posthumous induction into the group.

Wilhelm

Clemson's Brad Miller wins Brooks Wallace Award

2011-07-03T13:48:00.000-04:00

The College Baseball Foundation has posted photos on Facebook that indicate Clemson's Brad Miller is the winner of the 2011 Brooks Wallace Award, given annually to the best shortstop in college baseball.

Miller

Aldrich wins Home Run Derby

2011-07-03T00:25:00.000-04:00

Omaha.com reports College of Charleston's Daniel Aldrich won the Home Run Derby at TD Ameritrade Park Saturday night. He defeated Georgia Southern's Victor Roache in the finals. There was no immediate report of how Clemson's Richie Shaffer fared in the event.

Derby

Looking to 2012 CWS

2011-07-01T21:59:00.001-04:00

SI.com (Sports Illustrated) picks South Carolina as one of the teams likely to reach the College World Series in 2012.

Three of four reporters at CollegeBaseballDaily.com also peg the Gamecocks to return to Omaha next season.

CBD

Lucky fan gets final out CWS ball signed

2011-07-01T21:32:00.000-04:00

The Omaha World-Herald reports on the fan who caught the ball USC's Jackie Bradley Jr. tossed into the General Admission section after the final out of the College World Series.

Ball

News Digest, July 1, Part 2

2011-07-01T19:09:00.000-04:00

Some of these are items I missed while I was in Omaha

USC still celebrating
Here's a link to a photo gallery and video of Friday celebration for USC in Columbia.

Parade

Smart Gamecocks honored
Sixteen baseball players were among the more than 100 USC student-athletes named to the Southeastern Conference's spring academic honor roll.

Brains

Two Sand Sharks sign
USC Beaufort's Dexter Price and Sand Sharks recruit have signed contracts with the Arizona Diamondbacks and Washington Nationals, respectively.

USCB

Blue Hose stay busy
Several Presbyterian College players are staying busy playing baseball this summer.

Hose

Terriers stay active
Wofford also has posted an update on its players including John Cornely, who signed with the Atlanta Braves after being drafted.

Terriers

USC Upstate checks in
Here's USC Upstate's summer update.

Spartans

Spartans' Blanks signs
Former USC Upstate pitcher Bradley Blanks has signed with the Milwaukee Brewers.

Blanks

Roth goes abroad
USC pitcher Michael Roth left Friday for several weeks of study in Spain. Roth, a 31st-round draft choice of the Cleveland Indians, has indicated a desire to return for his senior season. The former Riverside High star won 14 games and earned all-American honors as he helped the Gamecocks repeat as national champion.

Tanner named coach of the year

2011-07-01T13:20:00.000-04:00

USC coach Ray Tanner has been named national coach of the year by Collegiate Baseball newspaper.

Tanner

News Digest, July 1

2011-07-01T12:52:00.003-04:00

Roth, Price honored
College World Series heroes Michael Roth and Matt Price of USC were named to ESPN's all-American team.

ESPN

USC signee Montgomery honored
USC signee Jordan Montgomery, a pitcher from Sumter, was named to the all-USA high school team as selected by USA TODAY.

Montgomery

CWS ratings up
ESPN reports TV ratings were up for the 2011 College World Series over 2010.

CWSTV

Poll update
In the final of the major baseball polls to be released, South Carolina is ranked No. 1 in the National Collegiate Baseball Writers Association poll.
1. USC. 15. Clemson.

NCBWA

Poll Update, June 30, Part 2

2011-06-30T19:25:00.002-04:00

Collegiate Baseball: 1. South Carolina. 21. Clemson. 27. Coastal Carolina.

CBB

Poll update, June 30

2011-06-30T12:10:00.001-04:00

Baseball America 1. South Carolina. 21. Clemson.

BBA

News Digest, June 29, Part 2

2011-06-29T23:08:00.000-04:00

Gold Gloves awarded
Pardon me if I've reported this earlier, but the American Baseball Coaches Association and Rawlings have named their Gold Glove teams.
Southern Wesleyan's Thomas Floyd was a first-team choice in NAIA.

NAIA

Todd Joyner of Florence-Darlington Tech was named first-team among Division I junior college teams.

JuCo

South Carolina's Michael Roth was first-team South Region and teammate Matt Price was second team.

Region

I have been unable to find the Atlantic or East Region team, which should include ACC players.

Poll
Perfect Game USA: 1. South Carolina. 20. Clemson.

PGUSA

Free Publicity!

2011-06-29T19:59:00.001-04:00

There's a link to my blog in an Omaha World-Herald story about USC's Michael Roth. I feel like Navin R. Johnson (Steve Martin's character) in "The Jerk" when the new phone books arrived: Things are going to start happening to me now.

Omaha

News Digest, June 29

2011-06-29T19:53:00.000-04:00

Wofford hires Burke
Wofford has announced the hiring of Jason Burke as pitching coach.

Burke

Miller represents Clemson at Omaha
Former Clemson player Seth Miller worked at the College World Series on the production team for ESPN.

Miller

Aldrich, Shaffer in home run derby
College of Charleston's Daniel Aldrich and Clemson's Richie Shaffer will compete in a home run derby at Omaha's TD Ameritrade Park Saturday. Among the other competitors is Georgia Southern's Victor Roache, the DI leader in home runs this season.

Aldrich

Clemson hasn't posted a release yet, but here's its e-mail announcing Shaffer's selection.

Clemson sophomore Richie Shaffer was one of eight players selected to participate in the 2011 TD Ameritrade College Home Run Derby in Omaha, NE, announced Wednesday. The event will take place on Saturday at 8:30 PM EDT and will air on CBS on Sunday at 2:00 PM. Shaffer will join Daniel Aldrich (College of Charleston), Joey DeMichele (Arizona State), Connor Harrell (Vanderbilt), Dylan Pratt (East Tennessee State), Andrew Rash (Virginia Tech), Victor Roache (Georgia Southern), and Doug Shribman (Bucknell) in the home run derby.

The Charlotte, NC native, who will be the first Tiger to participate in a college home run derby, hit a team-high 13 home runs for the Tigers in 2011. Shaffer also earned First-Team All-ACC honors at first base.

The home run derby will also feature three Major League Baseball legends, including Joe Carter and Baseball Hall of Fame member Paul Molitor, who will both serve as honorary hitting coaches for derby participants. In addition, All-Star player Frank Thomas will provide commentary for CBS during the competition.

Tickets for the 2011 TD Ameritrade College Home Run Derby, which will include the 27th-annual Omaha World-Herald fireworks display, are available and may be purchased in person from the Qwest Center Omaha arena box offices, by calling Ticketmaster at (800) 745-3000, or online at CollegeHomeRunDerby.com. A portion of the proceeds from ticket sales will be donated to TD Ameritrade’s three major charitable giving initiatives...Special Olympics, Habitat for Humanity, and United Way.

USC celebrations
Thousands of fans greeted the University of South Carolina baseball team in Colonial Life Arena Wednesday afternoon upon its return to Columbia after winning the program's second consecutive College World Series championship. There are reports a parade is planned for Friday.

Futures teams picked
Former USC standout James Darnell and ex-Charleston Southern star Tyler Thornburg have been named to the USA roster for the 2011 XM Futures All-Star Game July 10 in Phoenix. Also selected were Wil Myers, a USC signee who turned pro instead, and Bryce Harper, brother of USC pitcher Bryan Harper.

Futures

Ward honored
Limestone's Cameron Ward was named Valley League Central Division pitcher of the week for a recent 10-strikeout performance for New Market.

Ward

USA TODAY/ESPN Coaches Poll.

2011-06-29T15:48:00.000-04:00

1. South Carolina. 16. Clemson.

USAT

Back-to-back champs

2011-06-29T03:20:00.002-04:00

USC's Scott Wingo holds the most outstanding player trophy after leading the Gamecocks to their second consecutive College World Series title.

Just as it closed the Rosenblatt Stadium era of the College World Series with a national championship, the University of South Carolina began the TD Ameritrade Park era by repeating as champion, defeating Florida, 5-2, Tuesday night for a two-game sweep of the championship series.

As good a coaching job as USC's Ray Tanner did a season ago, he may have done an even better one in 2010.

He had to rebuild a starting rotation after losing Blake Cooper and Sam Dyson.

Former reliever Michael Roth, a surprise hero as a starter in the 2010 CWS, anchored the rotation from the beginning. After some tinkering, Colby Holmes and Forrest Koumas nailed down the second and third spots in the rotation.

Sidewinder John Taylor was brilliant as setup man and long-reliever, appearing in 50 games - one short of the NCAA record.

Matt Price had 20 saves - double his total from last season - and bounced back from a season-high 95 pitches in relief on Friday to close out both games of the championship series.

Newcomer Peter Mooney had some big shoes to fill at shortstop, replacing slick-fielding Bobby Haney. After some early struggles he fit right in with returnees Adrian Morales (third base), Scott Wingo (second base) and Christian Walker (first base).

Between the pitching staff and the infield, the Gamecocks escaped innumerable tight situations. The championship series first-game escape from a bases-loaded none-out situation was masterful, highlighted by two tremendous diving stops by Wingo, who then threw to home to get force outs.

Robert Beary proved to be an invaluable member of the squad, especially after outfielders Adam Matthews and Jackie Bradley Jr. went down with injuries and catcher Brady Thomas was slowed by a foot injury.

Wingo hit over .300 much of his junior season before fading down the stretch. He stayed above the .300 mark as a senior and played a key leadership role as one of the team captains.

His most outstanding player award could serve as a career reward for the former Mauldin High star, who improved his hitting to match his already outstanding defense.

Six teammates joined Wingo on the all-CWS team: Beary, Walker, Mooney, Thomas, Roth and Price. Interestingly, every member of the all-CWS team came from the three SEC East Division schools (Florida and Vanderbilt were the other two) which tied for the division's regular-season title with 22-8 records.

It marked the third straight CWS title for the SEC. LSU preceded USC in 2009.

all-CWS team

State Scoreboard, June 28

2011-06-28T13:28:00.001-04:00

College World Series
TD Ameritrade Park, Omaha
South Carolina 5, Florida 2, USC wins national championship.

Gamecocks find a way to win

2011-06-28T01:38:00.000-04:00

I don't know what ratings ESPN is getting for the College World Series, but the University of South Carolina is doing its best to provide exciting games.

Three of the Gamecocks' four victories have come in their final at-bat.

The Gamecocks entered Monday's CWS title series opener against Florida uncertain about the status of first baseman Christian Walker, who suffered an injury to the hamate bone in a hand. Not only did Walker get two hits, he scored the winning run on a steal and two Florida errors in the 11th inning.

Forrest Koumas gave a gutsy performance on the big stage, Tyler Webb had his best outing in weeks, John Taylor continued to be amazingly effective and Matt Price came back from a 95-pitch performance on two days rest to get the save.

Once again, though, it was the Gamecocks' defense which saved the day.

In a 1-1 tie, the Gators loaded the bases with none out, needing only to get a fly ball to the outfield or a grounder past a drawn-in infield to win the series opener.

Instead, Scott Wingo made a couple of spectacular stops of grounders, throwing home to get the potential winning run each time. On the second one, catcher Robert Beary was able to throw to Walker at first in time for an inning-ending double play.

In the Florida 10th Cody Dent tried to score from second on Mike Zunino's two-out single but was thrown out at home by left-fielder Jake Williams to end the inning.

This Gamecocks team may lose the next two games to Florida, but it has proven that it's not going to go easily.

State Scoreboard, June 27

2011-06-27T09:49:00.001-04:00

College World Series
TD Ameritrade Park, Omaha
South Carolina 2, Florida 1, 11 innings

Roth's billboard appearance

2011-06-26T02:59:00.000-04:00

Here's one of the many College World Series billboards in Omaha featuring USC pitcher Michael Roth.

Quite a game in Omaha

2011-06-25T02:05:00.001-04:00

Above is a view of the final play of the Virginia-South Carolina game from our vantage point in Section 322 at TD Ameritrade Park.

Virginia's Cody Winiarski prepares to throw the ball to third base in an effort to get USC lead runner Adam Matthews. The throw was wild and went out of play, allowing Matthews to score the winning run in the 13th inning.

One wonders if the outcome would have been the same if Virginia starter Danny Hultzen hadn't left the game because of illness. He struck out eight batters in three innings and left with a 1-0 lead, which reliever Kyle Crockett promptly surrendered in his first inning.

As usual, Gamecocks starter Michael Roth gave another scrappy performance, holding Virginia to four hits and a run in seven innings.

A couple of rare defensive lapses by the Gamecocks helped Virginia tie the score in the eighth and force extra innings.

Relievers Braden Kline of Virginia and Matt Price of USC were brilliant. Kline threw 107 pitches over five shutout innings. Price threw 95 pitches over 5 2/3 innings.

It was apparent Price was tiring over the final three innings, but USC coach Ray Tanner stuck with him (Tyler Webb and Jose Mata did warm up a couple of times). USC's defense more than atoned for its earlier problems by turning three double plays in support of Price to keep Virginia off the scoreboard.

Former USC basketball coach Frank McGuire used to say "I'd rather be lucky that good."

This Gamecocks baseball team may be both.

The best-of-three championship series against Florida is set for Monday, Tuesday and, if necessary, Wednesday. The Southeastern Conference is assured of a third straight CWS title.

State Scoreboard, June 24

2011-06-24T00:03:00.001-04:00

College World Series
TD Ameritrade Park, Omaha
South Carolina 3, Virginia 2, 13 innings

I own a piece of Rosenblatt Stadium/USC history

2011-06-23T22:49:00.002-04:00

They had an auction at Johnny Rosenblatt Stadium in Omaha Thursday in preparation for demolishing the facility for expansion of Omaha's Henry Doorly Zoo. We went by in time for about the last 30 or so items. Other than "Press Box" and "Press Only" signs, there was nothing left on the auction that interested me. Both quickly went above what I was willing to pay.

I learned later that home plate went for $1,700 and the American Flag (shown being taken down for the final time, below) went for $750. You'll have to strain to see the flag as I was sitting some distance away when the made the announcement and had to grab my camera quickly. Click on the picture and you can get a larger view.

The Zoo was selling sets of two seats on a non-auction basis, so I opted to go in that direction. Sometime in July, I'll be receiving a pair of blue seats similar to those shown above while South Carolina was warming up for one of its games during its run to the 2010 NCAA championship.

About the beach balls

2011-06-23T22:24:00.000-04:00

The person who came up with the idea of bringing beach balls to the College World Series ought to be drawn and quartered, even if it's posthumously. Above is a picture of the balls knocked out of the bleachers into the open area behind the center field fence in front of the hitter's backdrop in about the first four innings of Thursday's Virginia-California game. Below is part of an apparently pre-planned mass deluge of the vermin between innings.

State players named all-region

2011-06-23T22:11:00.002-04:00

Seven players with state connections have been named first-team all-region and four were named second-team by the American Baseball Coaches Association.

Named to the Atlantic Region's first team were Coastal Carolina second baseman Tommy LaStella, Clemson shortstop Brad Miller, College of Charleston outfielder Daniel Aldrich and Presbyterian designated hitter Brad Zebedis. Also named to the team was Virginia Tech's Andrew Rash, a Westside High graduate.

Named second-team all-Atlantic Region were Clemson's Richie Shaffer, College of Charleston's Matt Leeds and Coastal Carolna's Anthony Meo and Matt Rein.

Atlantic

Named to the South Region's first team were South Carolina pitchers Michael Roth and Matt Price.

South

Miller a first-team ABCA all-American

2011-06-23T12:51:00.000-04:00

I missed this somehow during my preparations for Omaha, but the American Baseball Coaches Association named its all-American teams. Clemson shortstop Brad Miller was a first-team choice. Named to the second team were Michael Roth of USC and Tommy LaStella of Coastal Carolina. College of Charleston's Daniel Aldrich and Presbyterian's Brad Zebedis were third-team choices. No Matt Price.

ABCA

Some more on Roth's dad

2011-06-23T00:27:00.000-04:00

The car dealership where Michael Roth's dad formerly worked has issued a statement about the situation.

Dealer

News Digest, Thursday, June 23

2011-06-23T00:25:00.000-04:00

Wilhelm induction tickets available
Clemson reports tickets are available for the induction of former Tigers baseball coach Bill Wilhelm into the College Baseball Hall of Fame in July in Lubbock, Texas.

Wilhelm

USC players visit children's hospital
Gamecocksonline.com offers video and photo coveraage of the USC baseball team's visit to an Omaha area children's hospital.

USC

Bulldogs' Talley signs with Braves
The Citadel pitcher Matt Talley has signed a minor-league contract with the Atlanta Braves.

Talley

Limestone's Maloney signs, plays
Limestone catcher Joe Maloney has signed with the Texas Rangers and made his professional debut on Monday.

Maloney

Here's the celebration statue

2011-06-22T23:39:00.000-04:00

Here's the iconic celebration statue that was moved from Rosenblatt Stadium to TD Ameritrade Park.

USC presence abundant

2011-06-22T23:06:00.001-04:00

Here is USC's Jackie Bradley Jr. as part of a mural on the back of the center field hitter's backdrop at TD Ameritrade Park. There are also billboards all over town featuring Michael Roth. I'll try to post one of those, too.

Some quick hits on the Gamecocks

2011-06-22T04:12:00.001-04:00

* USC allowed 14 first-inning runs - the majority unearned because of errors - over its first nine postseason games. On Tuesday night, it was Virginia which faltered, committing two first-inning miscues to lead to three unearned runs for USC.

* John Taylor continues to amaze out of the bullpen. He went a career-high 4 1/3 innings for the win Tuesday. His 47 appearances this season are 10 above the previous school record set by Michael Roth last season.

* As good as Taylor and Matt Price have been, USC coach Ray Tanner hasn't had much need to use Jose Mata out of the bullpen. I still think Mata will have a big moment in Omaha.

* Jackie Bradley Jr. continues to look more comfortable at the plate in his first action in almost two months. He did his job of "protecting" Christian Walker as USC's cleanup hitter Tuesday. Moving Brady Thomas down from cleanup seemed to remove the pressure on him to produce and Thomas delivered three hits.

* One wonders if the dropped popup in the fourth inning was attributable to a little rustiness from Bradley about taking charge, a little overagressiveness from shortstop Peter Mooney in chasing the pop, a stiff wind, or some combination of all of the above. It drove up Colby Holmes' pitch count and may have kept him from having a chance to pick up the victory.

* It amazes me that Holmes has allowed 13 of the 27 home runs the Gamecocks have surrendered this this season. Adam Westmoreland has allowed five more, meaning two pitchers have accounted for two-thirds of the homers off the Gamecocks this season.

* Mooney and second baseman Scott Wingo are showing that USC once again has one of the top defensive middle infield combinations in the country. Mooney struggled a little early, but he and Wingo have been spectacular in Omaha.

* I thought it was a wise move on a couple of fronts for Tanner to use Adam Matthews as a ninth-inning pinch-hitter It prevented Brady Thomas from having another chance to re-injure his foot during an at-bat. It also allowed Matthews a chance to face game pitching as he continues his slow comeback from hamstring problems.

* Jake Williams, the Riverside High product who transferred to USC from Wofford, tied the school single-season record for triples with No. 6 Tuesday night.

* I thought a couple of lineup positions would hurt USC offensively, but the Gamecocks are hitting .310 through two games of the College World series. The staff ERA after two games? 0.50.

* The last team to score seven runs against Virginia? Coastal Carolina in an 8-7 loss April 13! -- 39 games ago.

* USC's 13 hits against Virginia's pitching staff tied for second-most all season.

* Where's Marlin Perkins and Mutual of Omaha's Wild Kingdom when you need them? We saw two grown rabbits under a downtown overpass while walking to the stadium and a baby rabbit and an adult rabbit near the fan fest area while leaving.

Maybe I was a little rough on the new park

2011-06-22T02:57:00.000-04:00

A second trip to TD Ameritrade Park and the chance to sit in some better seats has tempered my first impressions.

The facility is more impressive sitting and looking out at the Omaha Skyline beyond the outfield fence. I guess it just needs time to develop character of its own.

One minor gripe: I've been unable to find any part of the scoreboard that denotes wild pitchers/passed balls or assigns errors in cases where there may be confusion.

Henson to stay at North Greenville

2011-06-22T02:49:00.000-04:00

Travis Henson has decided to remain at North Greenville as head baseball coach instead of taking the position at Byrnes High School as was announced last week.

NGU

State Scoreboard, June 21

2011-06-21T01:43:00.002-04:00

College World Series
TD Ameritrade Park, Omaha
South Carolina 7, Virginia 1

The AP checks in on Roth's dad, Beary's dad

2011-06-21T01:22:00.000-04:00

The Associated Press has weighed in with more details of Michael Roth's father quitting his job to make it to Omaha.

There's no place like home ... There's no place like home

2011-06-21T01:09:00.003-04:00

It was quite a Monday in Omaha.

On Monday afternoon we took a ride by Rosenblatt Stadium, which appeared mostly intact from the outside but surrounded by a fence to keep curious folks like me out. Zesto's was doing an OK business, but nothing like during the CWS days.

Then we went to the Riverfront Park area, where the Missouri River is flooding. The water is up over a portion of the bank, so the walking trail closest to the river was closed.

It makes the Reedy River flooding Cleveland Park in Greenville look like a leaky faucet by comparison.

While standing in line talking to an Omaha native prior to Sunday's USC-Texas A&M game, one of the locals told us the melting snow from Montana hasn't gotten here yet. I guess things could be worse.

For supper, we ate at Piccolo Pete's steakhouse. The meat was exquisite. I love Waffle House hash browns, but they don't come close to Piccolo Pete's.

Just as we were paying the bill, they announced that the tornado sirens were on and we could be led to shelter if we desired. We hung around a couple of TV's watching the weather updates for a half-hour or so until we felt it was safe to leave.

In talking to a local during that half-hour, he said the last big tornado to hit Omaha was in 1975.

That jogged my memory. I was covering the College World Series for The Greenville News that year and would sometimes ride from the media hotel downtown to Rosenblatt with one of the NCAA representatives.

We passed a service station - probably on 13th Street - and the guy pointed it out. He told us a tornado had hit the area a few weeks prior. He said some poor soul climbed on the service station's roof to see how close the twister was - and was carried away by the tornado. I don't know if it was true or something he made up to amaze us rube Southerners, But It worked.

Back to the present: We didn't see any funnel clouds and eventually got back to the hotel without incident.

I was keeping up with the Florida-Vanderbilt CWS game/delay on Twitter and Facebook. Brad Senkiw of The Anderson Independent-Mail had the best line I saw. To paraphrase, he wondered if the tornado carried him off to Oz, would it be like the movie or the TV show.

The next-best line came from USC pitcher Patrick Sullivan. He tweeted there were about 100 people crammed into a 25-foot "safe room" during the tornado threat and an older gentleman "ripped one."

Weather permitting, it's back to the ballpark on Tuesday.

More on Roth's dad, Beary's dad

2011-06-20T13:09:00.000-04:00

Omaha.com confirms that Michael Roth's father did, indeed, quit his job to watch his son pitch at the College World Series.

Roth

And, here's the site's game story, which mentions Robert Beary getting a hit for his father, who is helping set up police departments in Afghanistan.

Beary

One more thing about TD Ameritrade Park

2011-06-20T12:40:00.001-04:00

I forgot to mention they didn't turn on the PA speakers in the outfield until about the fifth inning. Up until then, virtually everything said was inaudible in the bleachers.

My first impressions of TD Ameritrade Park

2011-06-20T01:25:00.000-04:00

I've read that TD Ameritrade Park cost $131 million. If that's accurate, $131 million doesn't get you as much as it used too.

The park's just very vanilla, very sterile. I suppose in time it will gain character.

It's nice but not eye-popping. The best thing is you can walk the entire concourse (except behind the center field hitter's backdrop) and see the field.

Some General Admission traditions have moved over from Rosenblatt - beach balls, the wave, obscene comments to/from the left & right field bleachers.

It kind of reminded me of the old Bill Cosby routine about Los Angeles sports fans - very few people in the general admission area seemed to be following the game. We were outside the stadium during the final three or four innings of the California-Virginia game and it seemed there were people leaving all the time.

Also, folks holding GA tickets start lining up a couple of hours before gametime in order to be assured of a seat. You can get into some nice conversations with people in line around you. Folks we've talked to are very friendly.

General admission is first come, first served, and they don't cut off GA ticket sales per session. They just tell you it's full and you have to wait until someone leaves.

Outside, there are the same vendor tents and activities for fans. Jack Morris, Jack Clark and (if I recall correctly) Robin Yount were signing autographs. Pete Rose is supposed to be around on Monday.

They moved the famed statue of the players celebrating a title from Rosenblatt Stadium, but it's kind of stuck between some bushes and steps leading up to the stadium. It's not nearly as prominent.

The stadium is close enough to downtown Omaha that you can park on streets (meters don't operate on weekends) and walk to the stadium. The area is very, very flat, so the walking is easy.

Maybe as a traditionalist I'm too tough to please, but my grade for the new CWS home after one visit: C+ or B-.

Big Ten commissioner wants special treatment

2011-06-19T12:06:00.001-04:00

Read this Omaha.com story about Big Ten Conference Commissioner Jim Delaney crying about his perceived unlevel playing field in college baseball. I think I'd worry more about my conference's name accurately depicting how many schools are in the league. The guy's proposals are dumb, including reserving two CWS slots for northern schools only.

Laughable

Roth's dad quit his job?

2011-06-19T03:11:00.000-04:00

USC's Michael Roth tweeted that his dad quit his job when he couldn't get the time off for the College World Series. Probably the best Father's Day gift for Roth's dad would be a W.

State Scoreboard, June 19

2011-06-19T03:06:00.004-04:00

College World Series
South Carolina 5, Texas A&M 4

News Digest, June 17

2011-06-17T23:32:00.000-04:00

11 Tigers honored
Eleven Clemson players and Anderson native Andrew Rash of Virginia Tech were named to the all-Atlantic Coast Conference academic team.

ACC

Roth honored
South Carolina's Michael Roth earned the Elite 88 Award for having the highest grade-point average among the College World Series participants.

Roth

Brase signs with White Sox
Charleston Southern's Stew Brase has signed with the Chicago White Sox.

Brase

Games on satellite radio
Here's the schedule/channel lineup for College World Series broadcasts on Sirius/XM radio.

NGU hires Reynolds

2011-06-17T11:20:00.001-04:00

North Greenville has promoted assistant Reggie Reynolds to head baseball coach. The move comes a day after Travis Henson left to become head coach at Byrnes High School.

Reynolds

Henson

Roth, Price honored

2011-06-17T11:11:00.002-04:00

South Carolina's Michael Roth and Matt Price were named first-team all-Americans by PerfectGame.org. Coastal Carolina's Tommy LaStella and Clemson's Brad Miller were second-team choices.

Dick Howser Trophy finalists set

2011-06-16T21:05:00.001-04:00

UCLA's Trevor Bauer, Texas' Taylor Jungmann and Virginia's Danny Hultzen are the finalists for the Dick Howser Trophy, given to the player deemed the top player in college baseball. There were seven players from South Carolina schools on the 30-player semifinalist list. The award will be presented Tuesday.

Howser

News Digest, June 16

2011-06-16T20:52:00.000-04:00

Bradley takes BP
David Cloninger of GamecockCentral.com reports on USC outfielder Jackie Bradley Jr. and his prospects for being on the 27-man roster for the College World Series. I suspect it's a no-brainer. There were some pitchers on the 27-man regional roster who haven't seen action in a significant game in weeks. Bradley could easily take one of those spots.

Bradley

Black signs
University of Kentucky spokesman Brent Ingram tweets that Easley native and former Spartanburg Methodist player Taylor Black has signed with the Phillies and will be assigned to the NY-Penn League. Black, a two-year starter at SS for Wildcats, was a 16th-round draft pick.

USC photo gallery
Here's a photo gallery of the sendoff for USC in Columbia.

USC

Baseball America looks at the CWS
Baseball America offers a breakdown of the eight College World Series teams.

CWS

SC SportsTalk talks to Roth
SC SportsTalk has posted audio of an interview with USC pitcher Michael Roth, a former Riverside High star.

Roth

Aggies persevere
The Associated Press offers a story on Texas A&M.

Aggies

News Digest, June 15, Part 2

2011-06-15T20:59:00.002-04:00

Tigers' Weismann signs, too
SCSportstalk has confirmed that Scott Weismann has joined fellow Clemson pitcher Will Lamb in signing a pro contract.

Weismann

Shouppe out at Florida State
CollegeBaseballDaily.com reports Jamey Shouppe is out as pitching coach at Florida State.

Shouppe

Another look at the CWS
CollegeBaseballInsider.com has posted its capsules of the eight CWS participants.

CWS

This wouldn't have happened at Rosenblatt ...
Omaha.com reports the flooding Missouri River is threatening to encroach upon Omaha's Eppley Airfield.

Airfield

Flooding is also impacting parking around TD Ameritrade Park.

Park

Officials are seeking volunteers to help fill sandbags to protect areas from floodwaters.

Sandbags

This wouldn't have happened at Rosenblatt Stadium, which was atop a hill. If Rosenblatt had ever been flooded, an ark would have been involved.

News Digest, June 15

2011-06-15T19:35:00.001-04:00

Vols hire Serrano
Tennessee has hired Cal State Fullerton Dave Serrano as its new head coach. Earlier in the day, USC assistant coach Chad Holbrook has withdrawn his name for consideration for the position.

Vols

SportstalkSC has posted audio of an interview with Holbrook.

Holbrook

Always touch home plate when scoring the winning run
Kudos to an alert catcher at a Connecticut high school, who helped his team stave off elimination, then win a state title.

Whoops

Lamb signs
The Orange and White reports Clemson's Will Lamb has signed with the Texas Rangers.

Lamb

Assessing the series
Kendall Rogers of PerfectGameUSA offers his assessment of the teams at Omaha. The only comment I disagree with him on about USC is him saying the Gamecocks don't have a deep bullpen. Mata, Taylor and Price are outstanding. Webb is good as a situational lefty.

CWS

All-Americans, Part 2

2011-06-15T12:48:00.002-04:00

Clemson's Brad Miller and USC's Michael Roth were named first-team all-Americans by Baseball America.

Coastal Carolina's Tommy La Stella was a second-team choice.

Named to the third team were USC's Christian Walker and Matt Price and College of Charleston's Matt Leeds and Daniel Aldrich.

State well-represented on all-American team

2011-06-15T12:07:00.001-04:00

There are two first-team choices and five second-team selections from South Carolina schools on the National Collegiate Baseball Writers Association's all-American team.

Presbyterian's Brad Zebedis is the first-team DH and College of Charleston's Matt Leeds is the first-team third baseman.

Named to the second team were Coastal Carolina second baseman Tommy La Stella, Clemson shortstop Brad Miller, College of Charleston outfielder Daniel Aldrich, South Carolina starter Michael Roth and USC reliever Matt Price.

NCBWA

News Digest, June 14, Part 3

2011-06-14T19:09:00.000-04:00

USC talks about Omaha
USC coach Ray Tanner and several players talk about the return to the College World Series.

USC

A "W" sighting
Former President George W. Bush will throw out the ceremonial first pitch before Game 1 of the College World Series on Saturday.

POLLS
Collegiate Baseball: 1. Florida. 4. South Carolina. 21. Clemson. 27. Coastal Carolina.

CBB

National Collegiate Baseball Writers Association: 1. Virginia. 4. South Carolina. 15. Clemson.

NCBWA

News Digest, June 14, Part 2

2011-06-14T14:32:00.001-04:00

Bucs lose Assey to high school
Charleston Southern assistant coach Charles Assey has left the program to become head coach at Woodland High School.

Assey

Don't count Bradley out
Travis Haney of The Post and Courier reports injured USC outfielder Jackie Bradley Jr. is scheduled to take batting practice this week. Final rosters for the College World Series are to be submitted by Thursday.
CWS schedule set
Game times and TV coverage for the College World Series have been announced.

CWS

News Digest, June 14

2011-06-14T13:37:00.002-04:00

Happy Flag Day. Remember the millions who have defended it over the years.
- - -
Sorry I'm late on some of this stuff. I've been tilting at windmills over an injustice.

USC, Clemson ranked in top 10
South Carolina (7,431) ranked fourth and Clemson (4,393) ninth in average home attendance this season, based on figures provided by the National Collegiate Baseball Writers Association.

NCBWA

Aldrich honored
College of Charleston outfielder Daniel Aldrich has been named the National Collegiate Baseball Writers Association's freshman hitter of the year. Aldrich and Presbyterian's Brad Zebedis (DH) were named first-team freshman all-Americans while Clemson pitcher Kevin Pohle was a second-team choice.

Aldrich

Team

College World Series tickets
General admission ticket books (10 tickets) for the College World Series are on sale by phone by calling 402-341-1500 or 712-326-2295.

Zokan honored
College of Charleston's Jake Zokan has been named Southern Conference pitcher of the month for May.

SoCon

Want to own a piece of CWS history?
Items from Rosenblatt Stadium, home for the College World Series for 60 years, will be auctioned off beginning June 23.

Auction

USC to play Texas A&M

2011-06-13T22:06:00.000-04:00

South Carolina will play Texas A&M at 7 p.m. Sunday in its first-round game of the College World Series in Omaha.

Holbrook to interview with Tennessee

2011-06-13T03:25:00.002-04:00

USC assistant coach Chad Holbrook confirmed through school officials late Sunday night that he would meet with Tennessee officials this week over the vacant head coaching job there.